Bible
Study: Philippians 3, 17 to 4, 1 and Luke 16, 1 to 8.
In his letter to the Philippians, St. Paul admonishes us today to follow
the example of his life. “Join in imitating me, and mark those who so walk as
you have an example in us.” This is the mark of a Preacher whose very life does
not contradict his words. For one to be bold enough to ask people to imitate
him, it goes to show that he has nothing to hide and that he actually practices
what he preaches.
Jesus today gave us the example of a steward who to save his head,
called his master’s debtors one after the other to reduce their debt. This is
an example that Jesus sets before us, an example of how we should be determined
at all costs to do whatever it takes to save our head.
By reducing their debt profiles, the steward was giving away that which
ought to have come to him as commission for the loan. He was going to inconvenience
himself and let go of his share because of the greater good of having people
welcome him after his removal from office.
Jesus is telling us today to make sacrifices, to let go of the vain
things and pleasures of life for the greater good of making heaven. Our attachment
to wealth and material possession very often acts as an obstacle to the
practice of our Christian virtues but just as this steward was removed from
service, our death is inevitable. One day I will die so now is the best time to
let go.
Today we remember St. Charles Borromeo. As an Archbishop, Borromeo was a
great reformer. His strategy was to provide education to many clergy he saw as
ignorant. He founded schools and seminaries and colleges for clergy. He also
ended the selling of indulgences, a form of simony (Catholic Catechism #2120),
and ordered monasteries to reform themselves.
In 1576 a famine struck Milan followed by the plague, and many of the
wealthy and powerful fled the city. Archbishop Borromeo remained. He used his
own fortune to feed the starving people. When that money was spent, he took
loans and went deep into debt. He may have fed 70,000 people per day.
Eventually, the Archbishop convinced the local governor to return to his post
and care for the people.
In 1584, he became ill with a fever. He returned to Milan where his
conditioned worsened. When it became obvious he would die, he was given his
last Sacraments. He died on November 3, at the age of 46. He was beatified on
May 12, 1602 by Pope Paul V. He was subsequently canonized by Pope Paul V on
November 1, 1610.
St. Charles Borromeo's feast day is celebrated on November 4. He is the
patron of bishops, catechists, Lombardy, Italy, Monterey, California,
cardinals, seminarians, and spiritual leaders.
Let us pray: Lord Jesus, help me to imitate good example and be inspired
daily by the Saints. Amen.
Be Happy.
Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you.
Fr. Abu
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