Guest Post by: David Tonaszuck
A reflection on the Gospel of Matthew 17:1-9
Dear friends in Christ,
Today, I want to share with you the story of a modern day saint, St. Carlo Acutis—a boy from Milan whose ordinary life became a beacon of hope, love, and faith. Carlo was not a priest or a missionary in a far-off land. He was a teenager, a student, a lover of computers, and, above all, a lover of Jesus in the Eucharist. From a young age, Carlo’s heart burned with love for God. He once said, “The Eucharist is my highway to heaven.” But what made Carlo’s faith truly remarkable was that he didn’t keep it to himself. His devotion to Jesus overflowed into love for his neighbor.
Carlo noticed the lonely kids at school—the ones who sat by themselves, the ones who were overlooked. He made it his mission to draw them in, to listen, to befriend, to make sure no one felt left out. His mother tells how he’d run to play with the children of their housekeeper, just to make sure they felt included and loved. For Carlo, loving God meant loving others, especially those who needed it most.
When Carlo discovered the miracles of the Eucharist, he used his God-given talents for computers to build a website cataloguing these miracles, so that people everywhere could see the beauty of Jesus’ real presence. “People have to see, people have to understand,” he said. “Jesus is always close to us.” Even as he grew sick with leukemia at just fifteen, Carlo’s hope and joy only deepened. He offered his suffering for the Church and for the Pope, saying, “I’m happy to die because I’ve lived my life without wasting even a minute on things that don’t please God.” At his funeral, stories poured in from people who had been touched by his kindness, his faith, and his radiant joy. Carlo’s life was a living answer to fear and loneliness—a reminder that, with trust in God and care for others, hope shines bright, no matter what.
The Transfiguration: Jesus’ Glory, Gentle Nearness, and the Call to Rise Without Fear
Carlo’s story is a modern echo of the Gospel we hear today, the story of the Transfiguration. Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up a high mountain. Suddenly, his face shines like the sun, his clothes become dazzling white, and Moses and Elijah appear with him. The disciples are awestruck, overwhelmed by this vision of glory. But as soon as they fall on their faces in fear, Jesus comes to them, touches them, and says, “Rise, and do not be afraid.” He is gentle and comforting, just as he is powerful and glorious.
What do we learn here? That Jesus, the Son of God, is not distant. He is not a king who sits far away in majesty, leaving us trembling. He comes close. And He meets us in our fear, touches us, and lifts us up. His power doesn’t intimidate—it consoles, it emboldens, it transforms us and sends us out with hope.
On that mountain, God’s voice rang out: “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.” The disciples saw Jesus in all his divine glory, but also experienced his tender humanity. This is the great paradox of our faith: our all-powerful God bends low to serve, to comfort, to walk beside us. As Henri Nouwen wrote, “Jesus, the one who was equal with God, emptied himself, taking the form of a servant… His authority is not an authority of power, but an
authority of love, the authority that comes from a deep and humble willingness to wash our feet, even die for us.”
The Servant King: Following Jesus by Rising in Courage and Lifting Others with Love
This is what makes Jesus different. His greatness isn’t about domination, but about nearness and love. He is the Servant King, willing to stoop down, even to wash feet, even to die for his friends. And if Jesus in all his glory chooses this path, then that is our calling, too. We are not just invited to admire his example, but to follow it. To rise ourselves—living with courage, not fear—because we are never alone. To help others rise as well, sometimes with simple acts: a kind word, a listening ear, a hand to hold in times of trouble.
Jesus shows us that real greatness is found in love, sacrifice, and faithfulness. The same Jesus who shines on the mountaintop is the one who walks with us in our everyday struggles, who is present in the Eucharist, who lifts us up when we fall.
So today, when you hear Jesus say, “Rise, and do not be afraid,” hear it as both comfort and mission. Get up—don’t let fear hold you down. I am with you. And as I have lifted you, go and lift others. Be humble, be kind, serve as I serve. That’s how the world is changed.
Rising Each Day with the Holy Spirit: Living Lent with Courage, Love, and Hope
Every day, the Holy Spirit is with us, giving us the strength to choose love over fear, to speak truth with gentleness, to forgive when it’s hard, and to reach out to those who need encouragement. During this season of Lent, as we seek to grow closer to God through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, we can rely on the Spirit to help us change our hearts and lift up those around us. When we feel uncertain or weak, we can pray, “Come, Holy Spirit,” and trust that God will give us the courage and wisdom we need. The Spirit helps us rise above our worries and step forward in faith, making God’s love real for others through our actions.
Carlo Acutis lived these words. He rose, even in the face of suffering, and helped others to rise, too. He let God’s light shine through him—in the classroom, on the playground, in cyberspace, and in the hospital bed. Through him, others saw that Jesus’ presence is never far. Let us ask for the courage to do the same: to live with hope, to love boldly, and to be that presence for others.
May we, too, hear the voice of the Father, see the glory of the Son, and, guided by the Holy Spirit, rise in faith, hope, and love. Amen.
About Our Guest Blogger
Saint Carlo Acutis once said, “Not me, but God.” His words echo deeply in my own spiritual life. This blog is not about me, but about the work of the Holy Spirit. I choose to remain anonymous because the voice behind these reflections isn’t what matters — the One speaking through them is.
I am a lifelong Catholic with a deep love for Scripture, the sacraments, and the quiet ways God speaks through everyday life. Live the Eucharist was born from my desire to share how the Gospel and the Eucharist shape not just my Sundays, but every step of the journey.
My hope is that these reflections bless you, challenge you, and draw you closer to Jesus — truly present in the Eucharist and profoundly present in your daily life.
