August 14, 2025 // Memorial of Saint Maximilian Kolbe, Priest and Martyr
Read the Word // Open your Bible to today’s Gospel: Matthew 18:21–19:1
Reflect on the Word //
I was really struggling. I knew I needed to forgive someone who had seriously hurt me and my family. But he was the kind of person who would never admit what he’d done or what a far-reaching effect his choices had on so many. I’d never get an acknowledgment, much less an apology.
But, as He does, the Lord kept pressing ever so gently: Forgive him, Liz, from the heart. From your heart. I’ll help you. I wanted to list the infractions, to tally the wounds, to rail against any hint of forgiveness in the face of no apology.
Just then, I caught a glimpse of Saint Maximilian’s photo, which hangs next to my desk. There he was, priest and martyr, with his long grey beard and his intelligent eyes tucked behind his spectacles, challenging my unforgiveness. He almost smiled at me.
I’m sure you know his story. During World War II, he was arrested and taken to Auschwitz. When one prisoner escaped, ten men were selected for the starvation bunker, a deterrent to future escape attempts. Upon being chosen, one man cried out, “My wife! My children!” and he broke down sobbing. Moved with compassion, Saint Maximilian stepped forward with this request. He said, “I want to die in place of this prisoner.” And off he went.
One of the last of the ten to survive, he was finally killed by the Nazis with a lethal injection. Saint Maximilian actually raised his arm to the executioner to receive this shot. He offered his arm willingly, knowing the result. In my mind, I imagine him looking at his executioner and asking the Father, as Christ did Himself, “Forgive him, he doesn’t know what he is doing” (see Luke 23:34). No apology, no acknowledgement of his sin would be necessary.
When we want to fight the Lord’s invitation in today’s Gospel to “forgive from the heart” (see Matthew 18:35), let’s never forget the holy help so ready to come to our aid, to help us forgive, even and especially when those who are harming us don’t understand the fullness of their offense.
Saint Maximilian Kolbe, pray for us.
Relate to the Lord // Who do you need to forgive? Ask for the intercession of Saint Maximilian Kolbe to help you.
Liz Kelly Stanchina is a jazz singer who met Jesus in late-night adoration. She is the community leader for women’s formation at the Word on Fire Institute and the author of more than a dozen award-winning books, including Jesus Approaches, Love Like a Saint, and the Blessed is She Advent devotional A Thrill of Hope. She holds advanced degrees in creative writing and Catholic studies. She is trained as a spiritual director, leading retreats and speaking around the world with a particular focus on helping women to flourish in their faith. Visit her website at LizK.org or follow her on Instagram at LizKToday.
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