“Love does no evil to the neighbor; hence, love is the fulfillment of the law.” – Romans 13:10

       I am a product of the public school system, where students come from all backgrounds. Diversity often results in students nursing a cut or bruise on their bodies — a direct result of “rumbles” and fights.

         Spats were bound to happen, and I was never exempt from arguing with my schoolmates. However, for some reason, I never got into any serious messes with anyone that could have led to fighting.

       Looking back now, the one thing that got me through my “public school life” was the fact that I never wanted to inflict pain (physical or emotional) on anyone. I was always diplomatic when it came to handling relationship issues with others.

       Looking back, I think my love and respect for others always prevailed over any issue. I’m grateful to God for that because even up to now, being diplomatic and loving has already become second nature to me, by God’s grace.

       Whenever you have conflicts with others or are tempted to fight with someone, remember Jesus’s reminder for us to love our neighbor... and be His diplomat. Eugene Cailao (eugenecailao@gmail.com)

Reflection: Are you diplomatic and loving in your words and deeds?

Do you seek to love instead of do evil whenever your neighbor wrongs you?

Father, allow me the grace to show my love to the people around me by my words and actions.

St. Charles Borromeo, bishop, pray for us.

1^ST READING2nd READING

Paul describes how it is to truly love someone. It is not possible to list down everything that love requires of us in our relationships, as each one is unique and will make different demands on us. We need to reflect on what love demands in our relationships and then act on them. Many demands will be common to many of our relationships but there will be unique ones as well. Let us not forget them in the midst of those needs that are easier to recognize.

8 Brothers and sisters: Owe nothing to anyone, except to love one another; for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. 9 The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery; you shall not kill; you shall not steal; you shall not covet,” and whatever other commandment there may be, are summed up in this saying, namely, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 10 Love does no evil to the neighbor; hence, love is the fulfillment of the law.

R: Blessed the man who is gracious and lends to those in need.

1 Blessed the man who fears the Lord, who greatly delights in his commands. 2 His posterity shall be mighty upon the earth; the upright generation shall be blessed. (R) 4 He dawns through the darkness, a light for the upright; he is gracious and merciful and just. 5 Well for the man who is gracious and lends, who conducts his affairs with justice. (R) 9 Lavishly he gives to the poor; his generosity shall endure forever; his horn shall be exalted in glory. (R)

As disciples of Jesus, we will always have crosses to bear. Suffering and difficulties in life will not simply pass us by just because we are His disciples. Following Christ will catapult us into all sorts of experiences, some of which  will be extremely challenging. Are you ready for an adventure? This is what’s in store for those who follow Christ.

If you are insulted for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of God rests upon you.

25 Great crowds were traveling with Jesus, and he turned and addressed them, 26 “If any one comes to me without hating his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. 27 Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple. 28 Which of you wishing to construct a tower does not first sit down and calculate the cost to see if there is enough for its completion? 29 Otherwise, after laying the foundation and finding himself unable to finish the work the onlookers should laugh at him 30 and say, ‘This one began to build but did not have the resources to finish.’ 31 Or what king marching into battle would not first sit down and decide whether with ten thousand troops he can successfully oppose another king advancing upon him with twenty thousand troops? 32 But if not, while he is still far away, he will send a delegation to ask for peace terms. 33 In the same way, everyone of you who does not renounce all his possessions cannot be my disciple.”

think: Are you ready for an adventure? This is what’s in store for those who follow Christ.

READ THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR Isaiah 49-52

NEVER STOP GROWING

Today, the Church celebrates the feast of St. Charles Borromeo (October 2, 1538 – November 3, 1584). To say that St. Charles Borromeo is an important figure in the growth, purification and maturation of the Church is an understatement. A saint and a cardinal, he is one of only four bishops commended by the Catechism of the Catholic Church to be influential in the reforms of the Council of Trent in the 16th century and in the systematization of catechesis (CCC #9). He worked during the period of the Counter- Reformation and was a key figure for significant reforms in the Catholic Church, most importantly the founding of seminaries for the continuous formation and education of priests. The legacy of Charles Borromeo is the spirit of Ecclesia Semper Reformanda (A Church Always in Reform).

       This feast strikes an intimate chord in my heart, as Charles Borromeo is the patron saint of the seminary where I studied for the priesthood and where I now stay as a resident professor and formator.

       I always get sentimental when I attend the priestly ordinations of my former students. Most of them entered the seminary fresh from high school and I’ve seen most of them transform from starry-eyed lads dreaming of the priesthood to passionate young men willing to give themselves for the Gospel. More surprising and fulfilling is the fact that the challenge of formation continues even in the priesthood itself. Even students who discovered another vocation occasionally visit to thank the seminary for the seed of formation that continues to blossom even beyond the province of the priestly ministry.

       If you want to celebrate today’s feast, please do not just greet San Carlos Seminary a “Happy Feast Day!” Pray that the grace of formation, growth and constant purification — things Charles Borromeo passionately worked on for the Church — may be a grace in your personal life as well.

       Don’t stop growing. Don’t stop developing. Be semper reformanda. Fr. Joel Jason

REFLECTION QUESTION: Is there an area in your life that has become unproductive and stagnant?

Send the Spirit of renewal in me, O Lord; may I always strive to be “more.” Amen.