Greetings on this the Memorial of Saint Maximilian Kolbe, Priest and Martyr
Readings: EZ 9:1-7; 10:18-22; PS 113:1-2, 3-4, 5-6; Mt 18:15-20
Maximilian Kolbe, Priest and Martyr
Ordained at 24, Maximilian saw religious indifference as the deadliest poison of the day. His mission was to combat it. He had already founded the Militia of the Immaculata, whose aim was to fight evil with the witness of the good life, prayer, work, and suffering.
Source: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-maximilian-mary-kolbe/
Summary
How do you fight evil? With the witness of the good life: prayer, work, and suffering.
Reflection
The good life has many different meanings to many different people. Christians are called to model their lives in imitation of the life of Christ, the order of the Beatitudes and the strength of unending prayer.
Personal Reflection
Saint Maximilian Kolbe, Priest and Martyr is an inspiration for me. He freed Sergeant Francis Gajowniczek and healed the fracture of his family. Sgt Gajowniczek lived until March, 1995. A life given so another can have a full life.
Sacred Readings
Full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/081424.cfm
First Reading
Pass through the city, through Jerusalem, and mark a “Thau” on the foreheads of those who moan and groan over all the abominations that are practiced within it.
Responsorial
The glory of the Lord is higher than the skies.
Gospel Acclamation
God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation.
Gospel
Jesus said to his disciples: “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have won over your brother.
[If he doesn’t listen] Treat him as you would a Gentile or a tax collector.
[This is how you treat a Gentile or tax collector: bind and loose] whatever you bind [heal] on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose [free] on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
[Remember the Lord hears your prayers for those who will not listen, A/K/A Don’t give up!]
Again, amen, I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything for which they are to pray, it shall be granted to them by my heavenly Father. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry