23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time: New Saints & The Human Experience

The Catholic readings for September 7, 2025, the 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C), offer a profound backdrop for reflecting on the canonization of St. Carlo Acutis and St. Pier Giorgio Frassati, two young saints whose lives resonate deeply with the call to holiness in today’s world. The readings—Wisdom 9:13-18b, Philemon 9-10, 12-17, and Luke 14:25-33—center on themes of divine wisdom, sacrificial love, and the cost of discipleship, all of which find vibrant expression in the lives of these newly canonized saints.

First Reading: Wisdom 9:13-18b  

The Book of Wisdom reminds us of the limitations of human understanding and the necessity of divine guidance: “Who can know God’s counsel, or who can conceive what the Lord intends?” This passage underscores the humility required to align our lives with God’s will, a virtue both Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati exemplified. Carlo, often called “God’s influencer,” used his technological skills to create a website cataloging Eucharistic miracles, spreading faith in the digital age. His life reflected a reliance on divine wisdom, trusting that God’s Spirit would guide his efforts to evangelize through modern means. Similarly, Pier Giorgio, known as the “Man of the Beatitudes,” lived with a deep trust in God’s plan, serving the poor and embracing a life of charity despite his privileged background. Both saints, in their youthful zeal, show us that divine wisdom is accessible to all who seek it with an open heart, regardless of age or circumstance.

Second Reading: Philemon 9-10, 12-17  

Paul’s letter to Philemon speaks of love, reconciliation, and the transformative power of Christian relationships. Paul appeals for Onesimus, a slave, to be received “no longer as a slave but more than a slave, a brother.” This call to see others through the lens of Christ’s love mirrors the lives of Carlo and Pier Giorgio. Carlo’s compassion extended to the marginalized, as he helped the homeless in Milan and used his pocket money to support those in need. His actions embodied the radical love Paul describes, treating all as brothers and sisters in Christ. Pier Giorgio, too, lived this ethos, dedicating himself to the poor through the St. Vincent de Paul Society, often at great personal cost. Their canonization on September 7, 2025, during the Jubilee Year of Hope, highlights their witness to this transformative love, urging us to see others as Christ sees them and to act with generosity and mercy.

Gospel: Luke 14:25-33  

In the Gospel, Jesus speaks of the cost of discipleship: “Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.” This passage challenges us to prioritize Christ above all else, embracing sacrifice for the sake of the Kingdom. Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati lived this radical call in distinct yet complementary ways. Carlo, who died of leukemia at 15, offered his suffering for the Pope and the Church, calling the Eucharist his “highway to heaven.” His commitment to daily Mass and his digital apostolate reflect a life wholly given to Christ. Pier Giorgio, who died at 24 from polio likely contracted while serving the poor, embraced the cross through his tireless charity and joyful faith. His motto, “Verso l’Alto” (“To the heights”), encapsulates his pursuit of holiness through sacrifice and service. Their joint canonization in St. Peter’s Square, presided over by Pope Leo XIV, serves as a powerful reminder that discipleship demands everything—yet promises eternal life.

Reflection and Connection to the Canonization  

The canonization of Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati on September 7, 2025, is a historic moment, marking the first millennial saint and a young layman whose lives speak to the universal call to holiness. Carlo’s tech-savvy faith and Pier Giorgio’s adventurous charity show that sanctity is not confined to cloisters but can flourish in the modern world—whether in front of a computer or on a mountaintop. Their lives echo the readings’ themes: seeking divine wisdom to navigate life’s challenges, loving others as brothers and sisters in Christ, and embracing the cross of discipleship with courage and joy.

As we celebrate their canonization, we are invited to reflect on how we, too, can live out these readings. Like Carlo, we can use our unique gifts—whether technological or otherwise—to spread the Gospel. Like Pier Giorgio, we can serve those in need with enthusiasm and humility. In a world often marked by division and distraction, these young saints challenge us to prioritize Christ, trust in God’s wisdom, and love sacrificially. Their canonization during the Jubilee Year of Hope inspires us to be “pilgrims of hope,” trusting that God’s grace can transform ordinary lives into extraordinary witnesses of faith.

Prayer  

St. Carlo Acutis and St. Pier Giorgio Frassati, pray for us! Help us to seek God’s wisdom, love others as Christ does, and carry our crosses with courage. May your lives inspire us to live boldly for Christ in our daily lives, bringing His love to a world in need. Amen.[](https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2025-06/carlo-acutis-and-pier-giorgio-frassati-to-be-canonized-together.html)[](https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/264701/blessed-carlo-acutis-to-be-canonized-september-7)[](https://www.usccb.org/news/2025/pope-sets-sept-7-joint-canonization-blesseds-acutis-and-frassati)

23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B: The Deaf Hear & Mary's Birthday

Reflection on the Readings for September 8, 2024: The 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B, and the Birth of Mary

The liturgical readings for the 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B, offer a profound tapestry of themes centered around healing, justice, and the transformative power of faith. The first reading from Isaiah 35:4-7a[^7] speaks directly to the heart, offering comfort to those who are fearful and promising divine recompense. It paints a picture of a God who actively intervenes to save, bringing about miraculous changes where the blind see, the deaf hear, and the parched land bursts with water.

The Responsorial Psalm, Psalm 146, echoes this theme of divine faithfulness and care, emphasizing God's enduring commitment to justice and provision for the needy[^7]. It is a call to praise God, not just for His mighty deeds, but for His unwavering love and support for the marginalized.

In the second reading, James 2:1-5[^7], the apostle confronts the community with a challenge against partiality and discrimination. This passage is a stark reminder that the faith we profess in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must manifest in how we treat each other, particularly the poor and downtrodden. It is a call to live out the royal law of love without prejudice.

The Gospel of Mark 7:31-37[^7] recounts the healing of a deaf man with a speech impediment, showcasing Jesus' compassion and power. The act of healing is deeply personal and transformative, not just for the man but for all who witness it. The command "Ephphatha!" or "Be opened!" extends beyond the physical healing, inviting all to be open to God's grace and the Good News.

These readings collectively remind us of the Christian call to be agents of healing and justice in a world that often seems dominated by division and despair. They challenge us to look beyond the superficial and see the inherent dignity in every person, recognizing the image of God in each other.

The Healing of the Deaf Man: A Modern-Day Reflection

The healing of the deaf man by Jesus, as recounted in the Gospel of Mark, is a powerful narrative that transcends time and continues to resonate with us today. This miraculous event is not merely a historical account of Christ's healing power but also serves as a metaphor for the spiritual and social renewal that is possible in our own lives.

In contemporary society, the act of "opening" that Jesus performs on the deaf man can be seen as an invitation to open our hearts and minds to the world around us. It challenges us to listen actively and empathetically to those who are marginalized or silenced. Just as the deaf man's ears were opened, we too are called to be attentive to the needs and sufferings of others, to hear the cries for justice and peace in an often tumultuous world.

Moreover, the healing signifies the breaking down of communication barriers. In a world where misunderstanding and conflict are rampant, the story encourages us to seek understanding and harmony. It reminds us that through compassion and grace, we can overcome the divisions that separate us from one another.

The narrative also speaks to personal transformation. Many of us carry our own "deafness," whether it be to the needs of others, the call of our faith, or the areas in our own lives that require change. The healing power of Jesus invites us to be open to transformation, to allow the divine touch to heal our own spiritual deafness and empower us to be agents of change in our communities.

In a broader sense, the healing is a call to action. It prompts us to reflect on how we can be instruments of healing in our own society. Whether it's through acts of kindness, advocacy for social justice, or contributing to the common good, we are encouraged to participate in the ongoing work of making the world a more inclusive and compassionate place.

As we navigate the complexities of modern life, the healing of the deaf man serves as a beacon of hope. It assures us that renewal and healing are always possible and that through faith and action, we can experience the profound transformation that the man in the Gospel did. It is a testament to the enduring relevance of the Scriptures and their ability to inspire and guide us in our daily lives.

On the same day, the Church celebrates the birth of Mary, the mother of Jesus. This feast, falling exactly nine months after the Immaculate Conception, honors the human beginnings of one who would play a pivotal role in salvation history. Mary's birth is celebrated as the dawn of a new era of grace, a moment when the divine plan took a significant step forward through her "yes" to God's will.

The Nativity of Mary is a testament to the extraordinary within the ordinary. Born to Joachim and Anne, Mary's life would be marked by her profound "fiat," her willingness to participate in God's salvific plan. Her birth signifies hope and the nearness of salvation, reminding us that from humble beginnings can come the greatest of God's works.

As we reflect on these readings and the birth of Mary, we are invited to consider our own openness to God's actions in our lives. We are called to be like Mary, saying "yes" to God's will, and like the healed man, allowing ourselves to be transformed by Jesus' touch. It is a time to renew our commitment to live out our faith authentically, serving as beacons of hope and channels of God's love in the world.

In this reflection, we find a convergence of messages: the promise of healing, the call to justice, the power of faith, and the celebration of a birth that changed the course of history. Together, they provide a rich tapestry for meditation and action as we continue our journey through Ordinary Time, guided by the light of Christ and the example of His blessed mother, Mary.