Homily: Feast of Charles Borromeo
Feast of Charles Borromeo (Rm. 14:7-12) “Judging or Guiding?”
Paul echoes the sentiments of Jesus in this exert from Romans. He reminds those who read his words not to be judgmental. He argues that all of us will have to give an account of our conduct to God at the end of our lives. Because of this we need to be humble.
We evaluate people all the time. Maybe we meet a stranger at a holiday party. We probably guess how old the person is. We might consider whether they are overweight or not? Are they outgoing or are they shy? Based on what we observe we might decide if we want to befriend them or not. We might write off a person just by how they look. Many times, our first impressions are wrong. In the end, we might be ashamed of what we presume.
In a religious sense, there is a difference between judging and warning. Judging revolves around deciding whether someone is going to make it to heaven or not. Sometimes Catholics tell someone that they are in mortal sin. People of all Christian denominations might think that only people of their sect will make it to heaven. In a way, such people are playing God. Only our Lord can read a person’s conscience.
Does this mean we should never evaluate a person’s actions? Are we to remain silent when someone is in moral danger? I think we can tell someone that their actions are a serious matter and may harm them spiritually. This falls short of declaring that someone will be condemned for all eternity. What kind of friend would we be if we didn’t try to prevent someone from doing spiritual harm to themselves?
The church would teach that there is right and wrong. Catholics do not adhere to a moral relativism. At times it is said that there is no moral truth but there is ethical truth. We are to model that truth with our lives and compassionately proclaim that truth as we seek to steer others in right paths. We also must be humble enough to say that we can’t forcibly change others. In the end each person must discern the truth and live it.
Reflection Questions:
- Do I find it necessary to size other people up as I meet them? What are the things I look at? Does that say something about me or them?
- Has someone ever judged me? How did that make me feel?
Dear Parishioners,
Seton School will be having their annual fall festival and auction Saturday November 6th starting at 6 p.m. This will be a mostly virtual event. There will be items that one can purchase online. The school will have an auction where it is possible to win $10,000. This is Seton Catholic Schools biggest fund raiser every year. This has been a difficult year for all charities. Schools are no exception.
Monies generated by the auction are used for special projects that enhance the educational experience of the students. If you want to learn more go to the Seton WEB page at www.setonschool.com/fall-fest.
This should be a fun event and it is a great way to help Catholic Education.
May Our Lady and all the Angels and Saints watch over you.
Fr. Mark