November 4, 2025 // Memorial of Saint Charles Borromeo, Bishop
Read the Word // Open your Bible to today’s First Reading: Romans 12:5-16
Reflect on the Word //
I timidly walked through the courtyard where the retreat was being held. Arriving at the table I desired to sit at, I couldn’t help but notice that diagonally from my table, was a wall that had a floral themed photo-op. On top of the green-grassy-textured wall, was a sign that said “You Belong Here.” A familiar and doubtful feeling engulfed my heart, as I allowed a lie to take over. No, I don’t belong here, I told myself. Throughout my teenage years and leading into adulthood, I’ve experienced the “worldly” pressure of competing with other women, whether it’s about talents, popularity, vocation, holiness, etc. The poison of comparison has been following me for a long time.
Convicted by today’s First Reading, I want to cling to Saint Paul’s bold statement: “Brothers and sisters: We, though many, are one Body in Christ and individually parts of one another” (Romans 12:5). Comparison does not build up the Church; conversely, it divides the one Body that God desires us for me to be a part of. He intentionally and uniquely created my heart. Not to compare, but to love. To “[r]ejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep” (Romans 12:15). Comparison has a strong, and sometimes painful grip. Especially when you’re watching others receive what you desire, what you’ve been waiting for. The Lord invites me to grow and flourish in this season that He’s placed me in, even if it looks different from those around me, but to also be honest about my disappointment and fears. He’s shown me that comparing myself doesn't invite me to grow, or love those around me.
We cannot shine Christ’s love to others when we’re stuck comparing ourselves. We each bear our own God-given uniqueness, gifts, heart, and vocation. “Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us exercise them” (Romans 12:6). These differences aren’t meant to divide us, but to bring each other closer to our Creator and His Bride, the Church.
Relate to the Lord // Do you struggle with comparison? Ask the Lord to show you your own gifts and thank Him for others’ gifts.
Bella Rol is a college student from Monterey, CA and she’s passionate about finding the Lord in the simple things. She was a contributing author to New Wine and GIFT: Eucharistic Study for Teens. In her free time, Bella can be found laughing with her three brothers, enjoying a foamy latte, journaling, doodling, contemplating Jesus in the Eucharist, taking a long walk, or asking Saint Joseph for his intercession.
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