Memorial of Saint Charles
Borromeo, bishop
(Philippians 2:5-11; Luke 15:15-24)
St. Charles Borromeo hailed from a prominent Italian
family. His father was a count and his
mother, a Medici. Yet he did not choose
a rich man’s leisure. Charles worked for
Church reform after Trent and cared for victims of the plague which struck Milan. Charles’ life mirrors that of Jesus’ as
described by St. Paul in the first reading.
The passage may have been a hymn to Christ sung in the primitive
Church which Paul drafted into his letter to the Philippians. It expresses the humility of God as his most
remarkable characteristic. More than
being almighty or all-knowing, some commentators say that God is God because of
his disregard for being important. God
certainly does not care to impress humans.
Indeed, it is often wished that He would be more assertive.
We love Jesus, however, for becoming like us. But we should not think him weak or
simplistic. Rather He will support us when
we turn to him in our need. Some of his
greatest assistance comes from the teachings.
Following his directives and relying on his grace, we will experience
his being raised to glory.
