Today’s gospel could be difficult to understand. It seems as if the master is being a bit demanding of his servant, and surely ungrateful, for his servant’s work. After a full day’s work in the field, the servant comes in not to eat or relax, but to perform yet another task of serving the master’s meal. If the servant thinks that he has a compliment coming for this work, he is mistaken. This servant is just doing what is expected of him. In our own day, how often do we see our soldiers, police, or firefighters interviewed after their part in some dramatic event, and their response is “I’m just doing my job.”
For us, as servant disciples of the Lord, discipleship is not about earning and deserving gratitude; it’s about believing and serving. To meet only our obligations is nothing out of the ordinary; it is the extra-ordinary that should be our goal in our service to God and others. Discipleship is nothing less than love in action.
This Friday evening, right here in our sanctuary, we will have the opportunity not only to spend time in Adoration, but to view a relic of a modern day disciple. His name is Carlo Acutis. What makes him so special is that this young Italian boy, born in 1991 who died at the age of fifteen in 2006 from leukemia, and declared a Blessed of the church in 2020, will most likely become the first millennial saint canonized in 2025 during the Jubilee year.
In school, Carlo was known to be a friend to all. When he began high school, Carlo became very skilled in computers, the internet, and all things technical. He was inspired by Steve Jobs, former CEO of Apple, who wisely once said: “Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living the life of someone else.” Carlo took that to heart and even rephrased it using his own notable analogy: “All people are born as originals but many die as photocopies.”
Carlo loved God and lived to serve God. This wise young man had his own bit of wisdom to share when he said of his life’s focus: “God and not me.” He was always encouraging his friends not to settle for something below their dignity, but only pursue what truly satisfies the longings of the human heart.
He used his technology skills to help his parish discover new ways to evangelize and share the Good News using social media. He is regarded as a role model for youth, and all of us, of how to use technology for good, and not be controlled or manipulated by it.
Most especially, Carlo loved the Eucharist and said: “The Eucharist is my motorway to heaven. With each Communion we come closer to the goal of sanctity.” Eucharistic Adoration to him was a time of intimate communion with Jesus. He compared being at Adoration to the closeness of St. John the Apostle who leaned on the Lord’s breast at the Last Supper.
Carlo’s passion for information technology and his love of the Eucharist have earned this 15-year-old the title “Cyber-Apostle of the Eucharist”. His bodily remains, which continue to be in excellent condition, are displayed inside a glass case in Assisi, Italy. Carlo is buried in the clothes this popular, modern day, teenager wore: his sweatshirt, jeans, and Nike sneakers.
For more information about this special event here Friday evening, please consult the bulletin or our website. Blessed Carlo, pray for us.
