Memorial of St. Charles Borromeo

“Complete my joy by being of the same mind, with the same love, united in heart, thinking one thing” (Phil. 2:2). The mindset Saint Paul wants us to have is Christ’s. Paul’s dream is for a community united in mind and heart (CF. Acts 4:32). He had a vision. He knew that the people of Philippi had experienced encouragement, fellowship, and mercy. His vision was of a church of one mind and heart united in love. As they had been encouraged, they should encourage people who were struggling. Knowing the joys of fellowship, they should open their doors wide to welcome all who knocked. Having received mercy, they should show mercy to all who sought it. I was reminded of a song from the musical, West Side Story.

Make of our hands one hand
Make of our hearts one heart
Make of our vows one last vow
Even death won’t part us now

(Ansel Elgort and Rachel Zegler)

God wants Paul’s vision to come to pass. For this to happen, we must be doers of the Word not just hearers. For this to happen, we must live in communion with all people, not just receivers of communion at mass. For this to happen, we must accept one another as brothers and sisters in Christ and not merely mouth the words of the Lord’s Prayer. For this to happen, we must seek reconciliation with one another and not just go to confession. God wants us to experience His grace, love, mercy, and kindness. Through us, God wants to extend his kingdom to the ends of the earth. Let us do our part to make Paul’s dream happen.

Make of our hands one hand
Make of our hearts one heart
Make of our vows one last vow
Even death won’t part us now

(Ansel Elgort and Rachel Zegler)