St Maximilian Kolbe | Friday 14 August 2020

Today is Friday the 14 August, the feast of St Maximillian Kolbe, in the 19th week of Ordinary Time.

The monks of Pluscarden Abbey sing Psalm 90: You who live in the shelter of the Most High, who abide in the shadow of the Almighty, will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress; my God, in whom I trust.” As I listen, I take shelter in the Almighty.  And as I enter into prayer, I place my trust in my Creator, my stronghold, my God.

Today’s reading is from the Prophet Isaiah.

Isaiah 12:1-6   

You will say on that day: I will give thanks to you, O Lord, for though you were angry with me, your anger turned away, and you comforted me.   Surely God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid, for the Lord God is my strength and my might; he has become my salvation.   With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation. And you will say on that day: Give thanks to the Lord, call on his name; make known his deeds among the nations; proclaim that his name is exalted.   Sing praises to the Lord, for he has done gloriously; let this be known in all the earth. Shout aloud and sing for joy, O royal Zion, for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel.

Today’s reading is a song of trust and triumph over evil and danger.  It is a joyful song of praise and blessing.  It’s an interesting reading to celebrate the life of the modern martyr, St. Maximilian Kolbe, who died in the Nazi concentration camp of Auschwitz.  How is it possible to proclaim God as saviour and strength amid the horrors of such a place? 

What kind of faith can sing the praise of God’s deeds when the singer is dying at the hands of murderers?  

Have I ever felt comfort and trust when surrounded by fear and danger?  Have I ever praised God when everything seems dark?  Or perhaps I have just hung on in grim silence, unable to do anything but endure and beg for help.  What are my feelings as I consider the context of today’s feast? We listen to the reading again.     

We may not be able to feel strong faith right now.  But perhaps we have the desire to feel it.  God takes the faintest glimmer of faith, hope and trust and can fan them to a flame, lighting up the world.  What graces do I want to ask for today?  What do I want to say to God, the Holy One of Israel?

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.