HOMILY OF 31ST MONDAY OF THE ORDINARY TIME — YEAR B
HOMILY OF 31ST MONDAY OF THE ORDINARY TIME — YEAR B
HOMILY THEME: KENOSIS—EMPTYING OURSELVES FOR OTHERS
BY: Fr. Obinna Ezeaputa
Philippians 2:1-4, Ps. 131, Luke 14:12-14
Today, we celebrate the memorial of Saint Charles Borromeo, a devoted bishop whose life inspires us to embrace humility and selfless service as the essence of true greatness. Let us reflect on how his exemplary life guides us toward authentic holiness through living for God and others.
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In our first reading (Philippians 2:1-4), Saint Paul urges us to adopt the mindset of Christ, emphasizing his humility and selflessness. As N.T. Wright notes, “Paul’s appeal is not simply to imitate Jesus’ humility but to participate in His transformative mindset” (The Climax of the Covenant, 1991, p. 84).
Three instances show the humility and selflessness of Jesus: He emptied Himself (kenosis) to serve (Phil 2:7), humbled Himself in obedience unto death (Phil 2:8), and was highly exalted by God, receiving the name above all names (Phil 2:9-11).
During the 1576 Milan plague, despite personal risks, Borromeo ministered to the sick, distributed food and aid, sold his possessions to fund relief efforts, and established hospitals, showcasing humility, compassion, and surrendering ambitions. He participated in the mindset of Jesus, going beyond mere imitation.
In our gospel text (Luke 14:12–14), Jesus teaches inclusivity and compassion, emphasizing God’s preferential option for the poor. He urges inviting marginalized individuals to banquets, prioritizing their needs, and finding divine blessing in serving others.
According to William Barclay, Jesus challenges conventional wisdom by valuing every human being (The Gospel of Luke, 1975, p. 234). Charles Borromeo exemplified this teaching, challenging us to recognize God’s image in every person, serve the marginalized, and experience divine blessing.
Today, seek out opportunities to serve the marginalized, challenge yourself to respect everyone regardless of their status, and surrender personal ambitions for the glory of God. May Saint Charles Borromeo’s example inspire us to live out our faith through concrete actions, reflecting God’s love and mercy. Amen.
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