sermon illustration

St. Maximilian Kolbe's Volunteer Death - Catholic (Philippians 4:13)

Source: Martyrology86 words

In Auschwitz, when a prisoner escaped, the Nazis selected ten men to die by starvation as punishment. One chosen man cried out for his wife and children. Father Maximilian Kolbe stepped forward: "I am a Catholic priest. Let me take his place." For two weeks in the starvation bunker, he led prayers and hymns. Finally, he was killed by injection. Where did such strength come from? Kolbe lived on the Eucharist, strengthened by Christ truly present. Philippians 4:13 is sacramental: Christ's strength flows through Christ's Body.

Topics & Themes

KolbesacrificeEuchariststrengthmartyrdom

Scripture References

Philippians 4:13

Emotional Tone

hopeloveawe

Audience

adults

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