a personal reflection on today's Gospel Luke 6:27-38 Feb 24, 2019
The year was 1941.
Auschwitz was a death camp that held thousands of prisoners. One of them was prisoner #16770. He was a Catholic priest.
The prisoners tried to survive despite the inhumane conditions. They were beaten up by the Nazis to die. It was natural for them to seek revenge against the soldiers. This is where prisoner #16770 was different. Instead of revenge he pleaded with his fellow prisoners to forgive their persecutors. He encouraged them to overcome evil with good. When prisoner #16770 was beaten by the guards he never cried out. Instead, he prayed for his tormentors.
One day, a prisoner escaped from the camp. The Nazis selected 10 others to be killed by starvation in exchange for the one who escape. Franciszek Gajowniczek, one of the 10 selected to die, cried out - “My wife! My children! I will never see them again!” Then, out of nowhere, prisoner #16770 stepped forward and asked to die in his place. He did not know Franciszek personally but he was willing to die in his place. His request was granted & he died on August 14, 1941.
Now we know prisoner #16770 as Saint Maximilian Kolbe. He was different from the rest. Ibahin mo siya. He lived out what today's Gospel preaches.
“But to you who hear I say, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you." - Luke 6:27-28
It's easier to bash someone in Social Media.
It's easier to talk about your "enemy" behind their back instead of talking to them.
It's easier to seek revenge than love.
But is that what God calls you to do? No. We are called to seek love & gain your reward.
"But rather, love your enemies and do good to them, and lend expecting nothing back; then your reward will be great and you will be children of the Most High, for he himself is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked." - Luke 6:35
Maximilian received his reward. He became a saint & is now with Jesus in heaven.
Mahalin mo ang iyong kaaway. Mahirap yan pero dapat. Imposible pero sa tulong ng Diyos, lahat posible!
Be like Maximillian. Be a saint. Follow Jesus each day. Have a blessed week! - alvinfabella@yahoo.com
No comments:
Post a Comment