Memorial of Saint Maximilian Kolbe, Priest and Martyr
“Raymond, what will become of you?” At an early age, Raymond Kolbe was a mischievous little boy who got into trouble a lot. His mother said to him, after stealing eggs from the neighbor’s chicken, “Raymond what will become of you?” Little Raymond was perplexed by this and turned to the Blessed Mother and said to her, “what will become of me, O Blessed Mother?” And Our Lady appearing to him holding two crowns saying “my little Raymond, I have two crowns, one white which symbolizes purity, the other red which symbolizes martyrdom, which one do you want?” Being the little seven-year-old boy, he said enthusiastically, “I choose both!” Of course, on this great feast of St. Maximilian Kolbe the Blessed Mother who will doubtfully appear to us and ask us what crowns we choose, but we still have our orders, our orders are to win every soul to the Blessed Mother, or as St. Maximilian Kolbe calls her, “The Immaculata,” so that she may lead those souls closer to her Son’s Sacred Heart.
Today’s responsorial psalm reads, “God indeed is my savior; I am confident and unafraid. My strength and my courage is the LORD, and he has been my savior. With joy, you will draw water at the fountain of salvation.” Let us always remember that whatever trials and anxieties we go through, the Lord is our strength, and he will give us his courage, strength, and most importantly his love as he gave to St. Maximilian Kolbe in that little Auschwitz jail cell. A very happy feast day to all of you. +
Reflection by Br. Maximilian Burkhart, OSB
Posted in Articles for Lent, Daily Reflections, Lenten Resources