Light Piercing Darkness

In July 1941, three prisoners escaped from Auschwitz. In response, the remaining prisoners were made to stand in rows as the commandant randomly picked the names of ten men who were to be starved to death. Upon hearing his name, Franciszek Gajowniczek dropped to his knees, crying out, “My wife! My children!” Immediately, Maximilian Kolbe stepped forward and said, “I am a Catholic priest. I would like to take his place because he has a wife and children.” I have long marveled that Kolbe was able to react as he did when the moment arose. I’ve come to realize that Kolbe’s life was so rooted in his encounter with the self-giving love of Christ that–one choice at a time–he was formed in his desire to make a difference in the lives of others in the name of Jesus (he had been sent to Auschwitz for sheltering refugees, many of whom were Jews).

Most likely, we will never be faced with the kind of sacrifice that Kolbe chose to make. Mother Teresa once said, “Not all of us can do great things, but we can do small things with great love.” In Matthew 5, Jesus affirms that as ‘salt and light’ we have the capacity and calling to impact the lives of others and point them towards God. This can come through the intentionality of small choices – a kind word, a loving act, a listening ear, a warm presence. One survivor of Auschwitz described Kolbe’s act as “a powerful shaft of light in the darkness of the camp.”

What small, intentional choice might you make today that could bring light to the life of someone you will encounter? Invite God to show you.