Wednesday of the Thirty-First Week in Ordinary Time

Saint Charles Borromeo, Bishop (1538-1584)

Other saints: Saint Pierius (c. 310); SS Vitalis and Agricola, Martyrs (date unknown); Saint John Zedazneli and Companions (Sixth Century); Saint Joannicus (c. 754-846); Bd Emeric (c. 1000-1031); Bd Frances of Amboise (1427-1485) 

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 28 Those Who Refuse to Amend After Frequent Reproofs

Mass: Ph 3:3-18; Resp Ps 105; Lk 15:1-10

The Lord is my light and my salvation.

As Saint Martin de Porres, celebrated yesterday, was certainly a man who embraced the same attitude that was his in Christ Jesus (Ph 2:5). Saint Charles Borromeo, celebrated today, was certainly a man who shined like a light in the world and held on to the word of life (Ph 2:15-16). We are encouraged and inspired by the life and work of Saint Charles Borromeo, who in a life of only 46 years, was a very busy man. Sadly, time does not permit me to go into great length about his life. If you have access to Butler's Lives of the Saints, November Volume, read the fascinating and lively account of this great saint, pp. 29-33. It came to me during Lauds to leave it as this: Undeterred by those who tried to bring him down, and there were more than a few, including clergy and religious who did not all care for his programs of reform, Charles was a disciple of Jesus. Charles heeded Jesus' words in today's Gospel: Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple (Lk 14:27). He was a pastor of souls, a great theologian, and a man of great charity towards young and old alike. Here are a few lines I like from the Butler's account: "Charles set about his tasks with enormous energy but in such a methodical way that he never gave the impression of being hurried. He always found time to see to the affairs of his family and to seek recreation in music and physical exercise" (p. 29). 

If you are insulted for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of God rests upon you.

Alleluia.

(Gospel Versicle, Mass)

SAINT CHARLES BORROMEO,

PRAY FOR US.

© Gertrude Feick 2020