Conquer Evil with Good

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Earlier this month the younger children and I joined my husband and second son for the Feast Day Mass of St. Charles Borromeo which is held each year on November 4 at our chosen secondary school. St. Charles Borromeo is the patron of seminarians and the school was a seminary before it became and all-boys preparatory school, hence it is a big celebration day for the boys.

This Feast Day Mass is always such a pleasure to attend, as the bishop celebrates and many almuni come back to con-celebrate with much tradition, and gorgeous young men's voices reaching the rafters. This year the Feast Day landed on Election Day. I had already been to vote, as had many others evidenced by their "I voted" sticker. I think the event was charged with more emotion as a result of the coincidental timing. Which is why I teared up at the first reading, which I share with you today. I have thought of it many times since that day and I hope you will pause to read it and take it with you in your heart.

For by the grace given to me I tell everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than one ought to think, but to think soberly, each according to the measure of
faith that God has apportioned.

For as in one body we have many parts, and all the parts do not have the same function,

so 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.

Let love be sincere; hate what is evil, hold on to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; anticipate one another in showing honor.

Do not grow slack in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.

Rejoice in hope, endure in affliction, persevere in prayer.

Contribute to the needs of the holy ones, exercise hospitality.

Bless those who persecute (you), bless and do not curse them.

Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.

Have the same regard for one another; do not be haughty but associate with the lowly; do not be wise in your own estimation.

Do not repay anyone evil for evil; be concerned for what is noble in the sight of all.

If possible, on your part, live at peace with all.

Beloved, do not look for revenge but leave room for the wrath; for it is written, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord."

Rather, "if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals upon his head."

Do not be conquered by evil but conquer evil with good.

Romans 12:3-21

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