Today is September 24, Wednesday of the Twenty-fifth Week in Ordinary Time.
We read at today’s Mass, “Jesus summoned the Twelve and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them to proclaim the Kingdom of God and to heal the sick” (Lk 9:1-2).
When illness struck, Carlo Acutis did not allow his suffering to become meaningless. At the age of 15, diagnosed with acute leukemia, he embraced his cross with extraordinary faith. He chose to unite his pain to the suffering of Jesus, offering it specifically for the pope and the Church.
Carlo’s witness reminds us that suffering, when united with Christ, can be transformed into love. It does not make the pain disappear, but it gives it a purpose. His offering shows a maturity beyond his years: he knew that the Mystical Body of Christ depends on hidden sacrifices, on souls willing to bear their trials for others.
‘For whom can I offer this?’
This act of surrender echoes St. Paul’s words to the Colossians, that our sufferings can be “completed” in Christ for the sake of his Church. Carlo teaches us that even when our bodies feel weak, our prayers and sacrifices can be strong, powerful enough to support the Church’s mission throughout the world.
When we encounter illness or difficulty, our first instinct is often to ask, “Why me?” Carlo chose a different question: “For whom can I offer this?” His decision transformed his sickbed into an altar of love.
Like Carlo, we can offer our sufferings, whether large or small, for the intentions of Pope Leo, the renewal of the Church and the salvation of souls. Nothing is wasted when it is placed in Christ’s hands. Today, offer one difficulty or pain you experience today for the intentions of the Church, trusting that your sacrifice, united to Christ, bears fruit in ways you may never see.
Let us pray,
O God, who founded all the commands of your sacred Law upon love of you and of our neighbor, grant that, by keeping your precepts, we may merit to attain eternal life. 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.
*Unfortunately, we have had further technical issues with the video recordings of My Daily Visitor. Please enjoy the recovered audio for your daily prayer and reflection.
