Memorial of Saint Charles Borromeo, Bishop

“He told a parable to those who had been invited, noticing how they were choosing the places of honor at the table.” (Luke 14:7.)

Saint Cyril of Alexandria comments on this verse from the Gospel proclaimed at Mass today:

““When,” he says, “a man more honorable than you comes, he that invited you and him will say, ‘Give this man place.’” Oh, what great shame is there in having to do this! It is like a theft, so to speak, and the restitution of the stolen goods. He must restore what he has seized because he had no right to take it. The modest and praiseworthy person, who without fear of blame might have claimed the dignity of sitting among the foremost, does not seek it. He yields to others what might be called his own, that he may not even seem to be overcome by empty pride. Such a one shall receive honor as his due. He says, “He shall hear him who invited him say, ‘Come up here.’” If any one among you wants to be set above others, let him win it by the decree of heaven and be crowned by those honors that God bestows. Let him surpass the many by having the testimony of glorious virtues. The rule of virtue is a lowly mind that does not love boasting. It is humility. The blessed Paul also counted this worthy of all esteem. He writes to those who eagerly desire saintly pursuits, “Love humility.”” (Commentary on Luke, Homily 101)

Collect

Preserve in the midst of Your people,
we ask, O Lord,
the Spirit with which You filled
the Bishop Saint Charles Borromeo,
that Your Church may be constantly renewed
and, by conforming Herself
to the likeness of Christ,
may show His face to the world.
Who lives and reigns with You
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever.

Glory to the Father
and to the Son
and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning,
is now, and will be forever. Amen

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