St.Maximilian Kolbe
Readings:
Deuteronomy 10:12-22
Matthew 17:22-27
Reflection:
I ponder to imagine how Peter, a fisherman felt when Jesus gave him special fishing instructions: “Take the first fish that comes up; and when you open its mouth, you will find a coin; take that and give it to them for you and me.”
We give charity financially yet withhold it emotionally. Especially when we sense that we are not being treated as we should; how easy it is to keep our best “coins” for ourselves to ensure our own well-being. We’re justified, right?
The “coins” we’re called to give today may be silver or gold. But they may also be more emotionally “precious”: a prayer for an enemy, a kind smile for the unlovable person, a patient ear for the one who feels unheard.
“Give it to them for you and me,” Jesus reminds us. Let’s not worry. He will show us these moments, and he always provides.
Today as we celebrate the feast day of St. Maximilian Kolbe, a Polish Franciscan. He was arrested and imprisoned in the Nazi concentration camp and was executed by the Nazis in 1941. He gave his very life as charity and sacrifice for his fellow prisoner.
What does the Lord our God ask of us today? To follow in His ways, to love Him, to serve Him with all our heart and with all our soul, to keep the commandments and the laws of the Lord. These words are easy to read and listen to but quick to forget and difficult to practice. The Gospel of the day challenges us to convert these words into action as Maximilian Kolbe did
Sony Marsilin Kannanaikal CP is a Passionist priest, he lives at St.Joseph’s Community, Hobart.