Saint Charles engaged in spiritual combat against the emerging Protestant errors of his time. He wrote a catechism refuting several ideas: Sola Scriptura (“Scripture Alone” as authoritative); Sola Fide (“Faith Alone” as necessary for salvation without grace and good works); the denial of the sacraments and authority of the Pope, the rejection of the sacred priesthood, Purgatory, and the intercessory power of the saints; and more.

Saint Charles not only taught truth but also administered care to those in need. When a famine struck his city of Milan, he donated his own money, organized hospitals, and enabled 70,000 people to be fed daily, personally going out to serve the sick and starving. When the Black Plague broke out, he refused to leave the city and courageously risked his life to care for the afflicted.

In our first reading, Saint Paul teaches that God did not reject His people: “The gifts and call of God are irrevocable” (Romans 11:29). God’s invitation to join His Holy Church goes out to all of us, and this includes those who have fallen into disbelief, as many did during Saint Charles’ time. No matter how far down in sin and addiction we may fall, God’s gift of grace and call to repentance remains.

Jesus teaches us the great lesson of humility in today’s Gospel reading, a lesson He exemplified perfectly. In our struggle with addiction, we must choose, as Jesus did, to never exalt ourselves over others and always be willing to help the sickest of the sick. Doing this will sometimes require painful humiliation but Jesus helps us accept such pain and, through it, reveals the true glory that awaits us by serving Him and our neighbor.

Reflection Questions

• How do you affirm the value and action of sacrifice in your life?
• What Catholic martyrs have inspired you? Why?

Daily Mass Readings

First Reading: Romans 11:1-2a, 11-12, 25-29
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 94:12-13a, 14-15, 17-18
Gospel: Luke 14:1, 7-11

Reflection by Bill B.