Memorial of St. Maximilian Kolbe, Priest and Martyr
Courage is the willingness to do what is right and good despite fear or the threat of suffering. St. Maximilian showed great courage. He gave his life so that another may live. While we may not be called upon to give up our physical life for the sake of another, we are called to give ourselves in less radical ways.
Our Gospel presents one way to sacrifice ourselves that is often difficult for people to do: forgive. Forgiveness calls for a kind of death, a death to hatred, resentment, and fear. When people have wronged us, especially when it is grave, to forgive them feels like we are losing part of who we are. Yet, that is precisely the strength of forgiveness. What we lose is that part of us enslaved by the actions of others. Forgiveness is a radical act of freedom: I am not bound by another’s evil. I am not bound by jealousy, fear, or hatred.
St. Maximilian gave his life in total freedom. Let us give our lives to forgiveness as an act of courageous freedom so that we and those needing forgiveness may find new life.
Reflection by Fr. Etienne Huard, OSB
Posted in Articles for Ordinary Time, Daily Reflections