[featured-image single_newwindow=”false”]
Kolbe is the patron saint of our difficult century. – St. John Paul II
While St. John Paul II was referring to the previous century, I believe Saint Maximilian Kolbe can be said to be the patron saint of the 21st century as well. Especially in this time of war and violence, we need to have the example of a “martyr of love.” He shows to us how an act of selfless charity can truly inspire and teach us how to live the Gospel. Coupled with his complete trust in the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Kolbe presents to us a blueprint of how we are to conquer the dark forces of this world.
It is through Mary’s most pure and loving heart that the hearts of all can be changed. If we want to pray for peace in Iraq, Ukraine or the Holy Land, let us look to the “Immaculata” and entrust our cares to her. She will remain victorious and will conquer our foes through her Immaculate Heart.
In the end, it is the hearts of all that need conversion and will pave the way to true peace.
Saint Maximilian Kolbe gives us some great wisdom and teaches us what is the true conflict in our war-torn world:
No one in the world can change Truth. What we can do and should do is to seek truth and to serve it when we have found it. The real conflict is the inner conflict. Beyond armies of occupation and the hecatombs of extermination camps, there are two irreconcilable enemies in the depth of every soul: good and evil, sin and love. And what use are the victories on the battlefield if we ourselves are defeated in our innermost personal selves? – Saint Maximilian Kolbe in the last issue of the Knight (emphasis added)
Saint Maximilian Kolbe, pray for us!