My Home May Be Filled

November 4, 2008

Memorial of Saint Charles Borromeo, bishop

Have among yourselves the same attitude that is also yours in Christ Jesus, Who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God something to be grasped. Rather, he emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, coming in human likeness; and found human in appearance, he humbled himself, becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross. Philippians 2:5-8

The master then ordered the servant, “Go out to the highways and hedgerows and make people come in that my home may be filled. For, I tell you, none of those men who were invited will taste my dinner.” Luke 14:23-24

Piety
O Christ Jesus,
May your death be my life,
Your labor my repose,
Your human weakness my strength,
Your confusion my glory.
-- Blessed Peter Faber, SJ

(From Hearts on Fire: Praying with Jesuits, ed. by Michael Harter, SJ)

Study

Humility is a lesson we also can learn from the life of St. Charles Borromeo. Read a short biography of him at this site.

Such humility, obedience and dedication to the spirit of Matthew 25 was not something we witnessed in abundance among the too numerous candidates for too many offices throughout the past two-year long (!) election cycle. Republicans, Democrats, Greens, Independents, Conservatives and others vied for yours, mine, and ours – attention that is. However, no matter who wins Tuesday night (or whenever the final votes are tallied), if we adopt the attributes highlighted today by St. Paul, then these acts will go a long way toward putting our nation “back together” again. After all we are pledged to be one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. For God, for country and for Belmont Abbey College (excuse me, I mean the University of Notre Dame, of course).

If you are reading this, you could be among the portion of the voting populace who supported a winning candidate. However, chances are equally good that you could be among the portion who supported the losing candidate. On Wednesday, we become one nation behind whatever leaders are elected.

The model today’s Gospel asks us to imitate is not a model designed to win elections. The master’s invitations will never result in a packed house if everyone continues to puts their personal interests above the needs of the united Body of Christ for a consistent ethic supporting life at all stages. Could that be what we are supposed to take with us from today’s readings?

Winners don’t gloat. Empty yourself of the pride of victory. Losers don’t pout or get angry. Empty yourselves of these emotions, too. Let’s get back to our united agenda of piety, study and action.

Action

Pick up a copy of The Shack by William P. Young and read it. Read more about it at http://theshackbook.com/ or through the author’s blog at http://www.windrumors.com/.