It is a fact that the days are getting shorter and the nights are getting longer. We are experiencing more darkness each day.
With the second wave of the pandemic, COVID-19 also seems to be bringing more darkness into our lives each day. The best way to dispel the darkness is light.
In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus states: “You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lamp stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” (Mt. 5:14-16)
Jesus reminds us that we are called to be the light that shines in this world. This light is generated by our good works. So when we are confronted with darkness, the challenge is not to turn inward and hide under ‘a bushel basket.’ We must burn brightly so that all may see what is good, true and beautiful.
In my own faith tradition, the saints have often provided that light. Throughout history, these holy men and women have helped to dispel darkness by their heroic and selfless lives.
I would like to give you a modern day example of just such a person.
On Oct. 10, Carlo Acutis was beatified in Assisi, Italy. This ceremony is the second step in becoming a saint.
What helped to make this ceremony so unique, was the fact that both Carlo’s parents and his brother and sister were present. The reason for this is that he was only 15 years of age when he died from leukemia in 2006.
I believe that this modern day ‘saint in the making’ can serve as an inspiration, especially to our young people who need good role models today. They should be able to identify with this young man who played video games, was comfortable using computers and surfing the internet. He enjoyed sports and being with friends.
In many ways he seemed so ordinary; however, what he did was truly extraordinary. That is why he is in the processes of becoming a saint.
Blessed Carlo Acutis said that his life principal was to always be close to Jesus. He tried to do that throughout his short life. He had a strong devotion to the Blessed Sacrament and was often found praying before our Eucharistic Lord. This devotion became his inspiration to create a computer database of all the Eucharistic miracles from around the world. This led to the creation of a website that is world renowned.
He also loved the poor and those in need. When his funeral was celebrated in Milan, his family and friends were shocked to see the many homeless and marginalized attending. His family did not realize that for many years he had been quietly helping these people in need.
Blessed Carlo Acutis was an inspiration to his family and friends. He loved God and focused on helping others. He tried to always ‘lift people up’ rather than ‘tear them down.’
The Catholic Church does not ‘make’ saints. She simply recognizes what is already present in a holy life. The life of Blessed Carlo can serve as a light in the darkness that is being created by COVID-19. He shows us that with God, all things are possible.
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.”