Today is September 1, Monday of the Twenty-second Week in Ordinary Time.
We read at today’s Mass, “We do not want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters, about those who have fallen asleep, so that you may not grieve like the rest, who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose, so too will God, through Jesus, bring with him those who have fallen asleep” (1 Thes 4:13-14).
“We are born originals, but many die photocopies,” writes Blessed Carlo Acutis. One of the most striking things Carlo Acutis ever said was this line about originality. At first, it sounds clever or even playful, but beneath it lies profound wisdom.
Carlo knew that each person is made in God’s image and likeness. From the moment of our creation, God has a unique plan for our lives — no two people are alike. This means each of us is called to a path of holiness that cannot be copied, borrowed or faked.
More than ‘photocopies’
Carlo saw how tempting it is to become “photocopies.” We can try to blend into the world, to mimic others, to chase after trends, or to build an identity out of what society values. But he believed that holiness is the real originality. Only God can reveal who we truly are, and only by saying “yes” to him do we become fully ourselves.
In his own life, Carlo resisted the pressure to conform. He enjoyed soccer, computers and friendships, but he did not let them define him. What defined him was his relationship with Christ. He believed that the closer we grow to Jesus, the more we become our authentic selves. That is why he repeated this saying: to remind us that originality is not self-invention, but self-surrender.
Today, you and I can take this lesson to heart. God has created us as “originals.” The tragedy would be to end life as a “photocopy.” Let us seek the Lord’s will, confident that his plan for us is not only unique but also good and beautiful.
Let us pray,
God of might, giver of every good gift, put into our hearts the love of your name, so that, by deepening our sense of reverence, and, by your watchful care, keep safe what you have nurtured. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.
*Father Patrick’s MDV video will be up shortly.
