Wisdom of the Saints
St. Charles Borromeo
As 16th-century Bishop of Milan, St. Charles Borromeo tirelessly cared for his flock and founded Sunday School to teach children the faith—a tradition that continues today. He was a humble and committed man who worked hard for the Church.
During troubled times, he led reforms with kindness and care. He helped the poor, showed bravery during the plague, and worked to improve the clergy and educate people. He shows us that holiness comes from everyday acts of love, sacrifice, and faithfulness to God.
“Practice what you preach” is the title of the inspiring sermon delivered by Saint Charles, bishop, during the last synod he attended. I first heard this powerful sermon during my Liturgy of the Hours, specifically the Office of Readings, on his feast day, November 4th. The message deeply resonated with me. This thoughtful message emphasized the importance of living according to the teachings one shares with others. Although originally written specifically for priests, I believe these excerpts hold important meaning and relevance for all of us.
“ I admit that we are all weak, but if we want help, the Lord God has given us the means to find it easily. One priest may wish to lead a good, holy life, as he knows he should. He may wish to be chaste and to reflect heavenly virtues in the way he lives. Yet he does not resolve to use suitable means, such as penance, prayer, the avoidance of evil discussions and harmful and dangerous friendships. Another priest complains that as soon as he comes into church to pray the office or to celebrate Mass, a thousand thoughts fill his mind and distract him from God. But what was he doing in the sacristy before he came out for the office or for Mass? How did he prepare? What means did he use to collect his thoughts and to remain recollected?
Would you like me to teach you how to grow from virtue to virtue and how, if you are already recollected at prayer, you can be even more attentive next time, and so give God more pleasing worship? Listen, and I will tell you. If a tiny spark of God’s love already burns within you, do not expose it to the wind, for it may get blown out. Keep the stove tightly shut so that it will not lose its heat and grow cold. In other words, avoid distractions as well as you can. Stay quiet with God. Do not spend your time in useless chatter.
If teaching and preaching is your job, then study diligently and apply yourself to whatever is necessary for doing the job well. Be sure that you first preach by the way you live. If you do not, people will notice that you say one thing, but live otherwise, and your words will bring only cynical laughter and a derisive shake of the head.
Are you in charge of a parish? If so, do not neglect the parish of your own soul, do not give yourself to others so completely that you have nothing left for yourself. You have to be mindful of your people without becoming forgetful of yourself.
My brothers, you must realize that for us churchmen nothing is more necessary than meditation. We must meditate before, during and after everything we do. The prophet says: I will pray, and then I will understand. When you administer the sacraments, meditate on what you are doing. When you celebrate Mass, reflect on the sacrifice you are offering. When you pray the office, think about the words you are saying and the Lord to whom you are speaking. When you take care of your people, meditate on the Lord’s blood that has washed them clean. In this way, all that you do becomes a work of love.
This is the way we can easily overcome the countless difficulties we have to face day after day, which, after all, are part of our work: in meditation we find the strength to bring Christ to birth in ourselves and in other men.”
O God of mercy and wisdom,
You raised up St. Charles Borromeo to shepherd Your Church with courage and compassion.
Grant us the grace to follow his example—
to serve with humility, to lead with integrity,
and to love with the heart of Christ.
In times of trial, may we stand firm in faith;
in moments of comfort, may we not forget the poor. Strengthen our resolve to be instruments of renewal and peace.
Through the intercession of St. Charles,
guide our hearts ever closer to You.
Amen.
Thank you for allowing me to be part of your spiritual journey! Keep at it! Keep praying. Love the Lord.
Peace and Grace.Fran Acosta,OFS
