Homily for the Memorial of St. Charles Borromeo, Bishop

 

First Reading: Phil 2:12-18

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 27:1, 4, 13-14

Gospel: Lk 14:25-33

 Assumption Seminary, San Antonio, TX

          Four years ago today, a professor at school walked into the classroom with a downcast face and glumly asked us how were doing that morning. I cheerfully replied that I was doing great! She assumed I was referring to the results of the election. Her face darkened even more and she became loud and angry: “How can even you say that? People are scared and worried!” Needless to say I made a ‘special friend’ that morning.

But I wasn’t referring to the election at all. I explained to her something along the lines of “God is in His heaven, Jesus Christ is with his Church, and by the grace of the Holy Spirit, I am a child of God.” Therefore, I was happy and doing just fine, regardless of who happened to be President. Yes, it is possible to empathize with and have compassion for those who are fearful or suffering and also be filled with the joy and peace of God. Our Psalm today speaks to that truth.

“The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom should I fear?” (Ps 27:1) In Greek, the word is photismos – illumination - the same word used in Hebrews to refer to our baptism in Christ (Heb 6:4, 10:32). Whom or what shall we fear when the light of Christ is within us? What can separate us from his love? (Rom 8:35). Regardless of who becomes President, we belong to the Most High God!

“One thing I ask of the LORD; this I seek: To dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life.” (Ps 27:4) Here the Psalmist speaks to the longing of our prayer, our desire to be in intimate communion with our God. We receive Holy Communion in our churches and we actively follow after Christ in the world; in our patience and kindness toward those who are afflicted and in need, in our pursuit of virtue, and in our obedience to his Two Greatest Commandments. Regardless of who becomes President, we will continue to love God with our entire being and to love our neighbor as ourselves.

“Wait for the LORD with courage; be stouthearted and wait for the LORD.” (Ps 27:14) We are to put our trust in God, not in politicians, parties, or movements. Human beings and institutions will always fail us, but God never will. Regardless of who becomes President, Jesus Christ is our light and our salvation. Faithful Christians do not follow elephants or donkeys. We follow only the Lamb. (Jn 1:29)

St. Charles Borromeo, Patron of Seminarians, Pray for us!