St Charles Borromeo, Bishop.
"On a sabbath Jesus went to dine at the home of one of the leading Pharisees, and the people there were observing him carefully.
"He told a parable to those who had been invited, noticing how they were choosing the places of honor at the table.
“When you are invited by someone to a wedding banquet, do not recline at table in the place of honor.
"A more distinguished guest than you may have been invited by him, and the host who invited both of you may approach you and say, ‘Give your place to this man,’ and then you would proceed with embarrassment to take the lowest place.
"Rather, when you are invited, go and take the lowest place so that when the host comes to you he may say, ‘My friend, move up to a higher position.’
"Then you will enjoy the esteem of your companions at the table. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” (Luke 14: 7 - 11).
Saturday November 4th in the 30th Week of Ordinary Time is the feast of St Charles Borromeo. (1538 - 1584).
St Charles Borromeo was Cardinal and Archbishop of the famous See of Milan, the See of St Ambrose. Borromeo was born into wealth and splendor but was not possessed by his wealth and patrimony.
St Charles Borromeo was one of the architects of the successful conclusion of the Council of Trent. A great reformer, he worked hard for the implementation of the decrees of the Council. He established seminaries and had catechisms produced.
Jesus is in a dinner party and the principal guests recognized Him and were observing Him to see what He would do or say.
Jesus was observing their manners too. The crowd justled to get prominent places in order to show who is who? Jesus did not pass the opportunity to teach about social manners and humility. He teaches here that humility is a prudent virtue that will serve us well in social life.
Humility is also a key spiritual virtue to possess. St Augustine teaches that while you can enter the Kingdom of God without chastity, you can never enter Heaven without humility.
Here is a definition of humility by example:
+ Jesus Christ is humble.
+ St. Mary is humble.
+ St Martin de Poress is humble.
+ St Brother Andre is humble.
+ St Mother Teresa is humble.
The simple way to be humble is to pray every day for the grace of humility. Since God promises to grant us whatever we ask for, the gift of humility cannot be an exception. You may also pray through the intercession of one of the saints above or your patron saint. Leverage the power of the Communion of the Saints. Jesus Christ says that He is glorified when we honor His saints. (Liturgy of the Eucharist).
Imitate the humility of the saints.
"For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”
"You, My priest adorer, will live in silence and humility, attentive to the sound of My voice and obedient to whatsoever I will say to you. Submit to the discernment of those whom I have set over you, and in all things prefer the mind and sentiments of the Church to your own thoughts and attractions." (IN SINU JESU, Thursday, August 7, 2008).
November is the Month we pray for the Souls in PURGATORY.
“If, during life, we have been kind to
the suffering souls in purgatory, God will see that help be not denied us after death.” (St Paul of the Cross)
For Catholic Church teaching on the Souls in PURGATORY and how to help them, click the link below:
http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/10/10-ways-to-assist-poor-souls-in.html
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