MEMORIAL ST CHARLES BORROMEO, BISHOP, FIRST SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2023

MASS READINGS:

Gospel Lk 14:1, 7-11

On a sabbath Jesus went to dine at the home of one of the leading Pharisees, and the people there were observing him carefully. He told a parable to those who had been invited, noticing how they were choosing the places of honor at the table. "When you are invited by someone to a wedding banquet, do not recline at table in the place of honor. A more distinguished guest than you may have been invited by him, and the host who invited both of you may approach you and say, 'Give your place to this man,' and then you would proceed with embarrassment to take the lowest place. Rather, when you are invited, go and take the lowest place so that when the host comes to you he may say, 'My friend, move up to a higher position.' Then you will enjoy the esteem of your companions at the table. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted."

REFLECTION

"For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted."

Some people go to an enormous effort to be noticed, remembered and admired. We see their faces on social media, or their walking the red carpet, or the many news events we see on TV. We cannot call them shy nor humble. In fact they seem to be a reason to heed "For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted." (Luke 14:11)

Jesus was humble. He most likely did not get the seat of honor at the dinner and as noticed by Jesus there were many who showed bad manners. The host and the attendees were totally mistaken in not giving the best seat to the Lord.

In the course of our lives, how many of us see similar phenomenon? The honor given to God is seconded by what else is going on in our lives. Whether it is a ball game, tournament, too many activities or people literally taking the approach that Sunday is their day of rest so they stay home, sleep late and maybe watch Mass or service on TV.

For both Catholics and non Catholics there is no reason not to give the Lord His place of Honor all the time, especially on Sunday. As Catholics we have the Sacrifice of the Mass where we receive the Body and Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ. Humility always wins the divine Heart of Jesus. So why can't we be humble as Jesus? If we don't possess humility let us ask our Mother Mary to intercede for us so that we can get close to her Son, love Him as we should and put Him first in our lives.

Humility comes from the Latin humus meaning earth, soil or dirt. It reminds us of our origin from dust. It is in humility that we are reminded of our littleness and we realize that we are creatures totally dependent on God. In humility we embrace the ways of the Lord and His ways over the earth. At no cost, merely our decision to be humble fueled by the Graces given us.

St Charles Borromeo

Some of our inspiring stories of humility come from the lives of the Saints. Today we celebrate the life of St Charles Borromeo. He was born into money and had all the luxuries he wanted. But when he could, he denounced all these riches, and gave all to the poor. Considered slow because of a speech impediment, he went on through the grace of God to found seminaries, be a leader in the Counter Reformation and a major figure in the Council of Trent.

In his sermon titled, "Practice What You Preach" he went on to teach the priests how to grow from virtue to virtue and how to be more attentive at Mass and give God more pleasing worship. With the tiny spark of God's love burning inside of them, he advised that they not expose this spark to the wind for the spark might blow out. "Instead, keep the stove tightly shut so that it will not lose its heat and grow cold. In other words, avoid distractions as well you can. Stay quiet with God. Do not spend your time in useless chatter. If teaching and preaching is your job, then study diligently and apply yourself to whatever is necessary for doing the job well. Be sure that you preach by the way you live. If you do not, people will notice that you say one thing, but live otherwise, and your words will bring only cynical laughter and a derisive shake of the head..... Nothing is more necessary than Meditation. Meditate before, during and after everything you do. Meditate on what you are doing--whether administering the sacraments, reflecting on the sacrifice you are offering at Mass, when praying the Office think about the words and to whom you are speaking. When caring for the people meditate on how the Lord's blood has washed them clean so that what you do becomes a work of love."

So let us present ourselves with great humility before the Lord, and when we pray our PAPA prayer, pray that the priests avoid distractions -to cease gazing at earthly goods, titles and honors, study diligently and apply themselves to their work, that they preach by the way they live. May they meditate before and after all that they do. So let us allow our priests time to prepare for Mass. And may they have zeal for souls.

God Bless You