Reflection for the 23rd Sunday of Ordinary Time by Bro. Kurt Teves (YFIA)

Opening Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father, we thank You for the love and blessings You give us each day. Thank You for not only protecting us but for keeping us safe. Help each of us to share Your love and kindness with others. Amen.

Today’s Gospel is so important. It tells of one of Jesus’ works and miracles, and we also celebrate the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Today, we learn to put our faith in Jesus Christ. Today, we learn to believe in God’s miracles and works, for “nothing will be impossible with God” (Luke 1:37). We see this in Jesus curing the deaf and making the mute speak. There are so many miracles He performed, healing people and changing lives forever.

So, my brothers and sisters, let us be like Jesus, who helps others without expecting anything in return. He loved even those who hurt Him. He forgave those who wronged Him.

Let us also follow in the footsteps of Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati. He teaches us to love the Lord. He once said, “Nothing is more beautiful than love. Faith and hope will end when we die, but love—charity—will last forever. In the next life, love will only grow stronger.” So, brothers and sisters, like Pier Giorgio, let love be at the center of our hearts and minds. It is the core of Jesus’ teachings. Let us be like Pier Giorgio and like Jesus, who centered their lives on love and charity.

On this feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, let her remind us of God’s love. Her life symbolizes this love, and Jesus’ miracles show its power. Just as Mary said “yes” to God, may we also reflect His love to the world.

Jesus sees us all the same—rich or poor, sinner or saint. He healed sinners, which means all of us. He loves everyone, trusts everyone, and forgives everyone. No matter what we are going through, Jesus will heal our pain, cure our illness, and transform our lives.

As Pier Giorgio Frassati grew, he learned so much from Jesus’ teachings. He spoke about hope, saying, “When God is with us, we don’t have to fear anything.” Just like in today’s Gospel, the people believed Jesus could heal the deaf and the mute, and He did. He also spoke about happiness, saying, “True happiness does not come from the pleasures of this world, but from peace of conscience, which we can only have with a pure heart and mind.” And how do we achieve a pure heart and mind? Through Jesus, the King of Heaven.

Everything is about the Lord. Everything we experience, including our suffering, is meant to strengthen our faith and love for Him. Just like in the Gospel, even those with disabilities had faith, love, and hope because Christ was with them.

At the end, my dear friends,

Let us embrace the teachings of Christ. Follow His path. Be courageous, like Pier Giorgio Frassati, who said, “Jesus is with me. I have nothing to fear.”

Points for Reflection:

1. Realize that faith, love, prayer, and simply believing in Jesus Christ are the keys to a holy and eternal life.
2. Understand the meaning behind Jesus’ works and miracles.
3. Recognize the importance of God’s love and His teachings.
4. Strive to be like Pier Giorgio Frassati, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and most of all, like our Lord, Jesus Christ.

Final Prayer:

O God, our Father, we ask for Your blessings to share with others. We pray for those in the midst of crisis and for those who need help. Guide them with all Your might. We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.