Homily for the Memorial of St. Charles Borromeo

Before St. Paul's words in our first reading today, some Christians at Philippi asked about those preaching about Jesus but did not partake in their worship. They didn't think they had the right to do that. However, St. Paul replies that whenever anyone proclaims Christ, whoever they are or whatever their motivation is, it makes him joyful. He condenses the entire message to that single word, "Christ," the one who lives among us as our Risen Savior. He says, "It is not ourselves we preach but Jesus Christ as LORD." (2 Cor 4:4-5).

Unlike those of the Gospels, St. Paul's writings do not convey the words or actions of Jesus. His message centered on the Risen Christ, living among the people. The Church's actions and words become acts or statements of the "Body of Christ." St. Paul was happy when that message was passed on to others by merely mentioning the name "Christ."