DO SOMETHING FOR NOTHING
In
today’s Gospel reading, Christ insists that we do something for those
who have no means of repaying us. It’s actually more than just doing the
so-called “random acts of kindness.” It’s doing something for nothing,
with no publicity or hidden agenda or strings attached, and taking a
stand against exploiting the lowly.
However, if all this sounds difficult (or naïve, or idealistic), it goes to show how far this world of ours has gone in putting a price tag on everything — to the point of manipulating the poor for selfish ends. This exactly is what Jesus came to disturb or upset. And so beginning with ourselves, He shakes us up and turns us topsy-turvy.
The life of today’s saint can perhaps be a good illustration. Charles
Borromeo (1538-1584) seemed to be an antithesis of those poor beggars
and persons with disabilities mentioned in the Gospel parable. As a
young man of 20, he had it all going for him: particularly, a bright
career, with a doctorate in both civil and canon law. And then just a
year after that, he was made a cardinal and appointed Archbishop of
Milan by his uncle, Pope Pius IV. (By today’s standards, we would
probably protest: “Nepotism!”)
And yet, with God’s yardstick, any circumstance will always still fall
in place in the greater scheme of things. Even the most negative or
incorrect of situations can still be used by God for His plans. Charles
Borromeo went on to become one of the chief agents in the success of the
Council of Trent and the drafting of the Catechism. In Milan, he
zealously applied the spirit of the Council, establishing schools,
orphanages and seminaries.
And what about us? We might not have brilliant careers, influential backers
or friends in high places. We just might as well count ourselves among
those beggars, the crippled, the lame and the blind, whom Jesus would invite first to His own banquet. But then, even that is more than good enough. Having been chosen by the Lord, we in turn choose to serve the lowliest and the least. Fr. Martin Macasaet, SDB
REFLECTION QUESTION: Do you believe that God can use all situations for His plans?
Lord, may I be like St. Charles Borromeo, giving glory to You in everythin
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