We, though many, are one Body in Christ and individually parts of one another. Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us exercise them: if prophecy, in proportion to the faith; if ministry, in ministering; if one is a teacher, in teaching; if one exhorts, in exhortation; if one contributes, in generosity; if one is over others, with diligence; if one does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness. (Rom 12:5-16ab)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/110425.cfm
We’re not used to thinking that being one Body in Christ, we are individually parts of one another. Paul calls us to put our gifts to the service of one another. Saint Charles (1538-1584) did just that. He was archbishop of Milan and after the Council of Trent he helped to reform the church by creating seminaries and the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD). Today’s photo is of his cathedral in Milan, Italy.
These reflections are a result of more than 40 years of ministry as a Roman Catholic priest. Most of these years I spent in the Diocese of Charlotte which covers Western North Carolina. Now I am retired, and live in Medellín, Colombia where I continue to serve as a priest in the Archdiocese of Medellín.
Saint Charles Borromeo, bishop, November 4
