Freedom: Thoughts on the Feast of Maximilian Kolbe

Dear sisters,
My mind has been in 10,000 places lately!! As I explained in my last post, I have just returned from North Africa, and have been trying very to process the experience. I just cannot seem to get my hands on enough books about Christians living in Muslim countries, or Muslims who convert to Islam. I've been reading lots of articles and books on the lack of religious freedom in Muslim countries for Christians. For example, the most ancient Christian community that has been in Iraq since 35 AD is being driven out by radical Muslims.

And it happens on our own soul. Here's another true woman warrior...Rifqa Bary. Here is her story - beware -- it's utterly heart-rending:


Why, Lord? Why? She has such bravery. She is beautiful. What can we do to ensure freedom for His people?

So now I come to today's saint: St. Maximilian Kolbe. He knows what it is like to live under the shadow of persecution...to the point of death. He gave himself in an act of love willingly. Kolbe was a priest of the Lord, and he gave his life on this day in Auschwitz to save a Jewish man who had children. That man survived to see his family again. St. Fr. Kolbe, our brother, pray for us. Pray for those who are persecuted for their faith and for their love of Christ. Help us to obtain the grace that all in the world may live in freedom -- that true freedom that only Christ can give. Amen.