Memorial of Saint Maximilian Kolbe, Priest and Martyr

Today we remember Maximillian Kolbe and honor his choices with conviction and joy because he believed in God’s purpose for him.

As a group, we are equally convinced of Saint Peter Julian’s inspiration to preach and live the Eucharist, becoming an example we strive to emulate.  And we have additional models. Among them is Sister Dorothy Kazel, who lived a few miles from where I live in suburban Cleveland, Ohio, martyred with her three companions in El Salvador. We can all remember others who lived exemplary lives.

These responded to God’s call, doing things “above and beyond the norm.”  These people prayed and were changed, feeling the intense connection with God and our Blessed Mother within themselves.  Memories recalled above show that God is acting in this world with his plans and terms for what is needed. We need to share that with people who do not yet understand.

Our time of prayer in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament is when we are nourished – when we are inspired to embrace changes within us that the world does not comprehend.  These times strengthen who we are as witnesses, which is no less important than the examples of those remembered above.  We (hopefully) “follow the direction” God gives us.  We can be an army, and armies are known for following orders of superiors, “even to death (on a cross).”

We are people who choose to (1) “Love the Lord our God…” (2) “Love our neighbor as ourselves (Matthew 22: 36), and (3) “Love one another as I have loved you.” (John 13:34).  We have our orders.

Saints are living and still being called today – we need to recognize and encourage the work of God’s Spirit in others.  (P.S. All the epistles were written to the saints, small “s” – that’s us.)

Let Us Pray:

Glorify the LORD, O Jerusalem; praise your God, O Zion. For he has strengthened the bars of your gates; he has blessed your children within you. (Psalm 147)