At our Holy Mass today, we honor the memory of Saint Charles Borromeo, a man whose life exemplified the virtues of humility, charity, and unity in the spirit of Christ. As we reflect on the readings from Philippians and Luke, we can see how Saint Charles lived out these values through his actions and ministry and we can draw inspiration from his courage and dedication.
The Apostle Paul calls us in his letter to the Philippians to be “of the same mind” and “united in heart,” encouraging us to look out for the interests of others rather than only for ourselves. This challenge to humility and selflessness is a central theme in Charles's own life. Born into a noble family in 1538, he could have easily slipped into a life of privilege and comfort. Instead, Charles chose a different path upon the untimely death of his uncle, who was a cardinal; he accepted the burdens of church leadership, becoming the Archbishop of Milan at a young age.
Charles Borromeo was a man who constantly sought to bring together the people of his archdiocese, which had been fractured by political and moral corruption. Again, wherever political tensions run high, especially this election week in the United States, we need to be those instruments of peace as God calls us to take the high road, like St Charles often did. He didn’t take the easy road or rely on his noble background; rather, he rolled up his sleeves, embraced his pastoral duties, and lived among the people. He often visited the sick, the poor, and those on the margins of society—just as Jesus instructs us in the Gospel of Luke.
Likewise, when Jesus tells us not to invite our friends to our banquets, but rather those who cannot repay us, we see that Charles truly lived that call. Many stories recount how he would give his meals away or provide food for the hungry, embodying the very spirit of generosity and compassion that Jesus teaches us and which was embraced so profoundly by another incredible saint, Francis of Assisi.
In reflecting upon the life of Saint Charles however, we remember that he was not just a bishop in title. Charles embarked on a comprehensive reform of the Church in Milan with a vision to address the needs of his flock, especially the poor and the marginalized. These were not merely duties—these were expressions of his understanding of Christ’s teachings. He re-established the education of priests and founded seminaries, ensuring that God’s word would be preached by those who understood their vocation as service to others.
Saint Charles’s commitment to humility is visible in his insistence on personal holiness. He famously stated, “If you want to bring about the renewal of the Church, you must begin with yourself.” The same teachings of Paul resonate here when he urges us to act “without selfishness or vain glory.” Charles’s life was a living commentary on how to fulfill this exhortation. He recognized the humanity and dignity in every person, regardless of their social standing.
In his dealings with others—especially those who were less fortunate—he sought not only to provide material aid but to foster genuine community. We see in his example a profound understanding of true dignity, one rooted in God's love for every individual. His benevolence was not transactional (I give you, you give me); but rather, it was transformative.
As we reflect on our lives today, let us ask ourselves—who are the “poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind” in our own communities? Are we reaching out to them as Charles did, or are we more inclined to surround ourselves with people who honour and serve our own needs in some way? Are we building communities marked by charity, or are we seeking our own interests?
As we remember Saint Charles Borromeo, let us strive to live in unity, looking out for one another, being humble, and allowing the spirit of Christ to guide our actions. May our gatherings resemble not the exclusivity that was often modeled in Jesus's time, but rather be open tables of both the food of the body and the soul, inviting everyone to sound teaching and the gospel message in its entirety, while helping our brothers and sisters fill their bellies, especially those who cannot repay us. Let us be generous, as God has been generous to us. Saint Charles Borromeo, loving servant of God, pray for us so that we may imitate your kindness. Saint Joseph, blessed Spouse of our Virgin Queen and Mother Mary, teach us what humble service looks like. My dear Guardian Angel, teach me how to burn with love for God, by living for my neighbour. Our Lady, Queen of the Poor, thank-you for being our mother and continually feeding us the Word of God, who came down from heaven to dwell humbly among us. All the angels and saints, pray for us pilgrims as we make our way to you in heaven to adore the One and True God for all eternity. Amen.
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