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In our third Lenten video, watch how to grow in spiritual beauty

A boy kneels in prayer before an image of Blessed Carlo Acutis during Eucharistic adoration April 7, 2022, at St. Rita of Cascia Church in the South Bronx, N.Y. In the Diocese of Madison, Wis., a virtual Catholic high school named for the teen, Blessed Carlo Acutis Academy, begins its second year of online learning Aug. 21, 2023. (CNS photo/Gregory A. Shemitz)

REFLECT

“I cannot understand,” says Blessed Carlo Acutis, “why many people are so concerned with the beauty of their bodies rather than spending time on the beauty of their souls.” The Italian teenager, a millennial, is widely known for his deep devotion to the Eucharist. But Carlo was highly insightful, too. Possessing wisdom beyond his years, he lamented how little attention people paid to the interior life. We should have a fervor, a zeal, in driving out vice from our hearts, like Christ throwing the money changers out of the Temple. For Carlo, a change of heart was not impossible. He encourages us, saying: “Conversion is nothing other than turning one’s gaze away from the inferior to the superior. It takes nothing more than diverting our eyes to another direction.”

PRAY

Heavenly Father, we humbly pray that you help us direct our focus from the superficial to the spiritual, with a fervent desire to cleanse our hearts and fix our love on eternal things. May we cast out the distractions that hinder our connection with you and find the true beauty of our souls with the help of your grace. Amen.

LIVE

Do you know Blessed Carlo Acutis? If you are unfamiliar with his story, research his life and be inspired by his devotion.

This meditation first appeared in My Daily Visitor: Lent 2024. Discover Christ’s peace this Lent with free daily reflections sent to your inbox. Sign up here. Purchase the companion devotional at the OSV Catholic bookstore.