Think soberly

Greetings on this the Memorial of Saint Charles Borromeo, Bishop
Readings: Rom 12:3-13; Ps 89:2-3, 4-5, 21-22, 25 and 27; Jn 10:11-16
Notes: (Memorial Readings)

The memorial Mass today recognizes the saintliness of Charles Borromeo and contains the elements of being the best of who we are:

1. Be Yourself. Your authentic self in all things and in all ways.
2. Go with your excellence. Your uniqueness in personhood and experience is a singular expression of humanity and your unique expression of the presence of Divine Love.
3. Right size your efforts to your capacity and competency, validly and with liceity.
4. Love, have mutuality in love, honor the Others in your proximity.
5. Have zeal and be fervent in spirit for Love and Service.
6. Rejoice you have chosen a good path.
7. Endure when difficult, submit all things in prayer.
8. Be hospitable, contribute materially, as possible.

On Saint Charles Borromeo, Bishop (outtakes from Franciscans write-up)

Working behind the scenes, Saint Charles deserves the credit for keeping the Council of Trent in session when at several points it was on the verge of breaking up. Borromeo encouraged the pope to renew the Council in 1562, after it had been suspended for 10 years.

Charles took the initiative in giving a good example. He allotted most of his income to charity, forbade himself all luxury, and imposed severe penances upon himself. He sacrificed wealth, high honors, esteem, and influence to become poor.

During the plague and famine of 1576, Borromeo tried to feed 60,000 to 70,000 people daily. To do this he borrowed large sums of money that required years to repay. Whereas the civil authorities fled at the height of the plague, he stayed in the city, where he ministered to the sick and the dying, helping those in want.

Reflection from Franciscans

Saint Charles Borromeo made his own the words of Christ: “…I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me” (Matthew 25:35-36). Borromeo saw Christ in his neighbor, and knew that charity done for the least of his flock was charity done for Christ.

https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-charles-borromeo

First reading
Brothers and sisters: By the grace given to me I tell everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than one ought to think, but to think soberly.

Responsorial Psalm
Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.

Alleluia Verse
Whoever keeps the word of Christ, the love of God is truly perfected in him.

Gospel Portion
Jesus said:
“I am the good shepherd. A good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.

Go to the margins

I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. These also I must lead, and they will hear my voice, and there will be one flock, one shepherd.

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry