We arrived at the City of the Immaculata in Niepokalanow, Poland, located outside of Warsaw. It was here that Fr. Maximilian Kolbe, through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin, would begin his passionate work in the year 1927. “The City saw its original staff of eighteen friars grow to over 650 members in just twelve years.” (kolbeshrine.org)
In 1939, the Nazi’s invaded Poland. On February 17, 1941, the monastery was shut down; Kolbe was arrested by the German Gestapo and eventually sent to Auschwitz, the largest extermination camp. There was no room for religion in the Third Reich.
The Nazi’s were known for their brutality and eliminated perceived problems. If there was an escape, ten would be selected to die in retaliation.
In 1941, Fr. Kolbe, prisoner number 16670, got his opportunity to wear the red crown of martyrdom by freely choosing to offer his life in the place of another.
“I wish to take this man’s place.”
“Who are you?”
“A Catholic Priest.”
“I don’t care what pig dies.”
Fr. Kolbe was switched, and the ten were sent to the starvation bunker in block eleven, the Death Block. He died two weeks later on August 14 by lethal injection of carbolic acid on the Vigil of the Assumption. It was said that a splendid light radiated from him.
Our group of almost fifty pilgrims had come a long way to walk in the footsteps of Polish saints: St. Maximilian Kolbe, St. Pope John Paul II, and St. Faustina. We gathered for morning Mass at the original chapel built by Kolbe, and one of the few wooden buildings remaining.
At Mass, I would proclaim the reading of the day from the Book of Judges in which Jephthah conquers the Ammonites. He makes a vow to the Lord before the battle, asking the Lord to deliver the Ammonites into his power, saying,
“whoever comes out of the doors of my house to meet me when I return in triumph…shall belong to the Lord, I shall offer him up as a burnt offering.” Judges 11:30-31
Upon his return, much to his sadness, was his daughter who emerged singing and dancing.
I spent time in prayer and preparation, making sure I had the correct pronunciations. Stepping up to the ambo, I commenced reading. Something began happening in my heart as the significance and reality of the reading, our location, and the mutual self-sacrifices of Fr. Kolbe and Jepthah’s daughter converged. My voice began to crack. Unanticipated emotions welled up inside as I endeavored to continue.
Jepthah’s daughter freely accepted her fate.
Fr. Kolbe freely accepted his fate.
Our Lord Jesus Christ freely accepted our fate, dying a cruel death on the Cross in our place.
I continued to the Responsorial Psalm, which appropriately proclaimed, “Here I am Lord. I come to do your will.” (Ps 40)
I was overwhelmed by the selfless love and struggled to complete the readings.
It is easy to zone out at Mass, becoming unfocused and letting our autopilot crank out the well-known responses, barely listening to the content of the readings or Gospel. I fall into that trap without even realizing it more often than I’d like to admit. However, as I prepared to lector and encountered numerous unfamiliar names and places, I devoted extra time to the Word.
We are asked to do this before each Mass, preparing our hearts and minds to receive the Word in anticipation of receiving the Word made flesh, who desires to be one with us in mind and body. Powerful things happen when we do.
“Indeed, the word of God is living and effective, sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating even between soul and spirit, joints and marrow, and able to discern reflections and thoughts of the heart.” Heb 4:12
Please consider preparing for Mass in this way. You can easily find the daily readings here. While it was embarrassing to be overwhelmed and vulnerable as I proclaimed, the readings have stuck with me as I continue to ponder their significance. I am reminded how close God is to my every thought. How attentive He is to my concerns. His gentle voice permeates Scripture, bringing interior peace and a longing to know Him who knows me like no other.
In these three saints and innumerable “Cloud of Witnesses” who came before us, there is proof positive that when we begin to know Christ through His Word, we can do anything with great courage and conviction.
“Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ.” St. Jerome
Barb, absolutely beautiful and heartfelt; I have felt that overwhelming feeling with readings, & sometimes they are hard to explain. “God with us, Us in Him!
Thank you! Blessings abound & the Catholic Connection continues to keep us linked together! 🔥❤️
Amen to that Christy. God with us and working through us even when we least expect or realize it 🙂
Barb
What a beautiful reflection, Barb. I know exactly where you were and I can picture you standing on that sacred ground. Maximilian is so inspiring to so many, including me! And I can only imagine your emotions in that moment and I understand the power of where you were and the Word you proclaimed.
Your reflection is such a beautiful reminder to come prepared; it makes all the difference! God bless you and thank you for! 🙏
I know you do Barb, you were in that very space before me. So simple yet a powerful reminder to us all.
Thank you for your kind words.
B
How marvelous to experience so much love. Can you even imagine that moment again while reading the scripture? God picked that exact moment to warm you and open your heart. How beautiful for all those around to see God’s grace fall on you. I’m trying to work on preparing before mass since most of my mass involves chasing down 2 runners and now 1 crawler. I can feel like such a failure as a Catholic when I can’t even recall a single word of the homily but I know that God is giving me his grace everytime we bring our family to mass or pray with them. His love is never ending.
So well said Melissa! God knows our heart and intention. I don’t know if I remembered anything for years when you guys were small and Dad was away for work. Yet God blessed our efforts, planted the seeds of his love deep inside all of our hearts and it has born incredible fruit.
Mass isn’t what I get out of it, it’s what I bring in worship and that’s a willing heart 🤗❤️ love you
What a heartfelt explanation to your emotions that spiritual moment. So beautifully expressed. I’m so glad I was there, as You were an example of Gods love in real time for all of us to witness. Thank you for your vulnerability. You were exactly where you were meant to be! I personally was moved because of it and our journey together the rest of the week meant more because of that moment. That entire Mass was a game changer for me when during Fr John’s homily, he encouraged us to consider consecrating ourselves to the Blessed Virgin Mary too. So many moments like these were felt throughout our journey. It was my first pilgrimage I will treasure and remember forever in my heart. Thank you Barb! You lead by example and it’s so refreshing and honest. God Bless You!!
Thank you again Linda for your kind encouraging and inspirational words 🙂
Dear Barb, What I observed on the day of your reading at that Mass was full of raw emotion and so heartfelt. You touched so many of us with your strength to push on. It was honest! Followed by Fr. John’s homily to encourage us to consecrate ourselves to the Blessed Virgin Mary, I was moved in a way by both of these during the Mass that not only allowed me to feel a real connection with everyone there, but it also confirmed why I was on this beautiful journey…to witness special moments like these! Thank you Barb! God Bless You!
Thank you Linda, these comments have shown me that in fact far more was going on that the Lord was at work with us and in union with Father John’s invitation to consecrate it was powerful. And in fact I had just completed my consecration on the 22nd 🙂 It was such a blessing to spend that precious time together growing deeper. Barb
As I read your article, that morning came rushing back. When your voice cracked you allowed me (probably most of us)to let go of my emotions thru you. My 3rd visit in the place made more meaningful with this scripture. That was a hard/ most challenging read especially for a parent. My heart breaks . Yet… here I am Lord , I have come to do your will. Thank you, Barb for writing this.
Thank you Jo for your kind words. It was such a joy to share these special moments with you and Jack.
Barb