Brothers and sisters, the Word of God today and the example of St. Charles Borromeo focus our attention on three vital aspects of our faith:...
Brothers and sisters, the Word of God today and the example of St. Charles Borromeo focus our attention on three vital aspects of our faith: Call, Commitment, and Church.
First, the Call. The Gospel presents the Parable of the Great Feast. A master calls many, but the invited guests make excuses: a new field, new oxen, a new marriage. Jesus is telling us that our worldly concerns—even the legitimate ones—can become excuses that keep us from responding to God's Call to His banquet, to His Kingdom. When the originally invited refused, the call went out to the poor and marginalized. God's invitation is urgent, persistent, and always open, even when we try to put Him off.
Second, Commitment. The First Reading from Romans gives us the framework for our response. We are one body in Christ, and we are called to a wholehearted commitment in using our unique gifts: teaching, serving, exhorting, giving. The key instruction is: “In zeal, do not be sluggish; in spirit, be fervent. Serve the Lord.” St. Charles Borromeo exemplifies this fervent commitment. As an Archbishop, he didn't just administer; he plunged himself into ministry. During the plague in Milan, when others fled, he stayed, personally cared for the sick, and used his wealth to feed the hungry. His commitment was total.
Third, Church. St. Charles Borromeo worked to renew the Church in his time. The readings remind us that the Church is the Body of Christ, unified yet diverse. Furthermore, the Gospel's banquet—the Kingdom of God—must be full. The Lord commands us to go out to the streets and compel people to come in. This is our mission! It means sharing the joy of our faith and making sure that the doors of our Church are open wide, especially to those on the fringes.
Let us be like St. Charles: fervent in spirit, dedicated in service, and fully committed to God's Call to build up His Church. Amen.
No comments