St. Maximilian Kolbe is known as the great Martyr of Charity. Unlike many other known martyrs, Max did not die defending his faith, so to speak. He offered to die in the place of another man.
The previous post included a picture of the cell in which Maximilian breathed his last breath. This post includes a picture of a different spot in Auschwitz. This plaque is on the corner of a block in the camp. This particular block is located where the roll call area of the camp was. This plaque tells us that this is the place where Maximilian stepped out of the roll call line to approach the officer and ask to take the place of a husband and father who had been chosen along with nine others to die in the starvation bunker – the consequence/lesson/price to be paid for a fellow prisoner who escaped.
Father Kolbe Missionary, Antonella, helped me to contemplate this important location.
Maximilian Kolbe died in a cell in Block 11. However, it was at this site, where this plaque is, that he offered his life.
I think back to the life of Christ. The miracle was not in his birth or death for that matter. We all are born and will die. (This is not to lessen the miracle that life is.) The miracle, the awesome thing about God is that he became flesh! He then offered his life in human form to show his love for us. Then.,,,,,,,,he resurrected! That’s the miracle! That’s why we are Christians!
St. Maximilan Kolbe stepped out of line - an action deserving of being shot on the spot. He walked to the front of the roll call yard to the officer. Asked to take the place of a man he did not know. And it was accepted. That’s amazing! This act of charity was accepted in a place where so many other acts of charity or humanity were punished. Witnesses say that they feel the guards and other prisoners were just so stunned that they did not act according to protocol. They were just so shocked.
Ultimate love – ultimate charity – is stunning!
The previous post included a picture of the cell in which Maximilian breathed his last breath. This post includes a picture of a different spot in Auschwitz. This plaque is on the corner of a block in the camp. This particular block is located where the roll call area of the camp was. This plaque tells us that this is the place where Maximilian stepped out of the roll call line to approach the officer and ask to take the place of a husband and father who had been chosen along with nine others to die in the starvation bunker – the consequence/lesson/price to be paid for a fellow prisoner who escaped.
Father Kolbe Missionary, Antonella, helped me to contemplate this important location.
Maximilian Kolbe died in a cell in Block 11. However, it was at this site, where this plaque is, that he offered his life.
I think back to the life of Christ. The miracle was not in his birth or death for that matter. We all are born and will die. (This is not to lessen the miracle that life is.) The miracle, the awesome thing about God is that he became flesh! He then offered his life in human form to show his love for us. Then.,,,,,,,,he resurrected! That’s the miracle! That’s why we are Christians!
St. Maximilan Kolbe stepped out of line - an action deserving of being shot on the spot. He walked to the front of the roll call yard to the officer. Asked to take the place of a man he did not know. And it was accepted. That’s amazing! This act of charity was accepted in a place where so many other acts of charity or humanity were punished. Witnesses say that they feel the guards and other prisoners were just so stunned that they did not act according to protocol. They were just so shocked.
Ultimate love – ultimate charity – is stunning!
Wow I never knew about the life of St. Maximilian what he did was charitable and commendable. Your trip to Europe seems awesome I am learning off of reading what you are blogging cool thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThis account is so touching and amazing. True charity stuns the world and those around us. That is worth deeply pondering. Love and prayers as you travel each step of grace....
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your insights and your heart in this reflection. My devotion to St. Maximilian Kolbe is growing!
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