Homily (Reflection) for the Memorial
of Saint Charles Borromeo, Bp., (4th November, 2016) on the Gospel and
the Memorial
Phil 3:17–4:1;
Ps 122:1-5. (R. v.1);Lk 16:1-8.
Saint Charles Borromeo (2nd October, 1538 –
3rd November, 1584) dedicated himself to a life of service to the
Church at the age of 12. Life sped up for him after his uncle became Pope Pius
IV on 25th December, 1559. The new pope invited him to Rome and
appointed him a cardinal-deacon that came with the job of assisting and
advising the pope. He was made a cardinal a month later. His appointment as the
administrator of the Archdiocese of Milan in 1560 helped him decide that the
Lord was calling him to the priesthood. Against the urge to preserve the family
name after the death of his brother in 1562, he was ordained a priest on 4th
September, 1563, consecrated a bishop on 7th December, 1563, and
became the Archbishop of Milan on 12th May, 1564. He provided
education to many clergy he saw as ignorant as a way of reforming the church,
and also founded schools and seminaries, and stopped the selling of
indulgences. Charles Borromeo went deep into debt feeding the starving people when
famine struck Milan in 1576. Pope Paul V beatified him on 12th May,
1602, and also canonized him on 1st November, 1610. He is the patron
saint of bishops, catechists, Lombardy, Italy, Monterey, California, cardinals,
seminarians, spiritual leaders, and Sao Carlos in Brazil.[1]
Topic: Use worldly riches.
Jesus taught His disciples in today’s gospel using the
parable of the dishonest manager. In this parable, a rich man consequent upon reports
of how his manager squandered his money called him and said to him, “What is
this that I hear about you? Give me an accounting of your management, because
you cannot be my manager any longer.” The manager reduced the debts of his
master’s debtors so as to have people to welcome him when dismissed.
We all are God’s creatures. He has assigned each of us to our
different tasks. Hence, the Psalmist wrote, “...the LORD is God! It is he that
made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture” (Ps 100:3). Just like the rich man demanded
of his manager in today’s gospel, each of us must one day be called to give
account of his/her life to God, our Master, cf. Rom 14:12; Heb 10:30; 1Pt 4:5.
Not minding how long and/or how precious an earthly possession
is, none can last for eternity. However, the benefits of using them well can last
forever likewise the punishment of their abuse, cf. Matt 25:40, 45-46. Saint Charles Borromeo we celebrate today was a good
manager. He did not only use his own fortune but also went into debts to feed the
hungry. We must remember always that we shall give account to God.
Bible Reading: Ps 103:1-22.
Thought for today: Each shall give account to God.
Let us pray: God, help us to be ever conscious that
we shall render account to you – Amen.
Saint Charles Borromeo – Pray for us.
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