My boast for the day of Christ may be
that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.
But, even if I am poured out as a libation
upon the sacrificial service of your faith,
I rejoice and share my joy with all of you.
In the same way you also should rejoice and share your joy with me.
(Phil 2:16-18)
Joy in being poured out as a libation in service to others . . . that’s a sentiment not very common among us. But during this pandemic we have seen it displayed over and over again in our health care workers who have laid down their lives caring for those stricken by Covid-19. And because of the pandemic, many families have not been able to be with their loved ones in hospital, but the health care workers were there holding the hands of our loved ones as they slipped away.
Today is the feast of Charles Borromeo who organized his church to care for victims of the plague.