Imitate the Person Who is Trying to Be Like Jesus!

Imitate the Person . . .

The memorial celebrated this day is for St. Charles Borromeo.

He made a decision early within his life to be of service to the Church, rather than caring for his family’s considerable wealth. Uniquely, it was at the time of his own brother’s untimely death, that he made the final decision to become a priest. His brother was the heir to his family’s fortune. It was a bold move, because he was now the heir. He was set to inherit the title, the land and the wealth of his family. Understand why this is so remarkable by hearing more within the Homily.

At this time, he said he must belong to Jesus. St. Charles said that he must belong to the Church. He laid aside the wealth of the world for the sake of the flock of the Lord.

He was named Bishop only a few months after becoming a priest. One might think that happened so fast, because his uncle was Pope Pius IV. His “promotion” was actually due to his considerable talent. He had an ability, at exactly time the Church needed his talent. Not just to take care of a diocese. Charles was absolutely influential in restarting the Council of Trent. He insisted that the Church can not let the mission of reform go unfinished. He insisted the people of God needed this reform within the Church.

. . . Who is Trying to Be Like Jesus

If he just stopped there, his influence on the Church would still be deemed great. However, after the Council, he returned to his diocese in Milan, and immediately began implementing the Church’s reforms. Hear more about what he did and why the Church recognizes him as St. Charles Borromeo. St. Charles lived 1538 – 1584. For those living on Long Island, St. Charles Hospital in Port Jefferson, NY, was named after this saint. He was Beatified in 1602 and became a saint in 1610.

Amazingly, when the plague came, he ran toward the needy, the sick and the poor to feed and care for them. He was a shepherd amongst his flock. On his feast day, the Church takes the Good Shepherd Gospel from St. John. This Gospel paints an image of the Lord as the true and Good Shepherd. This Bishop imitates the Lord, and also becomes a shepherd. Listen to more within the Homily.

In the reading today (not included within this audio), St. Paul tells us to be imitators of me (Paul) as I am an imitator of Christ. In other words, don’t look to St. Paul because I am a great guy. Paul tells us this in his writings. Rather, I can show you an example to be like Jesus.

As you look around the world you will see many things. The Homily describes the many things you will see. St. Paul says, do not imitate them! Because there is nothing there worth imitating. If you are going to imitate anyone, imitate the person who is trying to be like Jesus.

Hear more within this Homily. Listen to this Meditation Media.