Today, the Church celebrates the liturgical Memorial of Saint Charles Borromeo (2 October 1538 - 3 November 1584). The third son of a family of six, his father was a Count and his mother was part of the Medici family. Charles served as Archbishop of Milan from 1564 until 1584 and a Cardinal from 1560 until his death. He was a leading figure of the Counter-Reformation against the Protestant Reformation together with Saint Ignatius of Loyola and Saint Philip Neri. In that role he was responsible for significant reforms in the Catholic Church, including the founding of seminaries for the education of priests.
Perhaps Charles drew inspiration for his courageous efforts from the example of Jesus' life. The gospel for today's liturgy places him at table in the home of a leading Pharisee. We do not know with certainty how comfortable Jesus was in the presence of those who held authority and power, but courage was certainly part of his makeup. Without knowing any of the prior conversation, we are told that Jesus offered an opinion that called his host to the possibility of conversion: When you hold a lunch or a dinner, do not invite your friends or your brothers or sisters or your relatives or your wealthy neighbours, in case they may invite you back and you have repayment (Lk 14:12).
It takes great courage to invite change. If we should find ourselves in situations of living or managing change, let us invite Saint Charles Borromeo to pray with us today.
Have a great day.
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