The formula for a beautiful life

St. Maximillian Kolbe has become one of my favorite saints, but maybe not for the reasons you would think.

It’s fairly well known about how Maximillian voluntarily took the place of a young man at Auschwitz Concentration Camp to go to the starvation chamber. That young man, by the way, grew up to become an adult after surviving a narrow brush with death. He was well on his way to die before Maximillian took his place.

But, most people may know that story and how it shows that we should put others before ourselves because if we have the love of Christ within us then we must be willing to put others before ourselves – even if that means death because Jesus died for all of us willingly and voluntarily.

However, taking a look at the early life of Maximillian before the concentration camp, what I love about him is that he never gave up and never let things in life stop him from making a difference.

Maximillian loved anything having to do with the military. He wanted to be a soldier so much that his childhood dream of being a priest was almost thwarted because of his heart to be a soldier and to defend Poland. However, some complications prevented him from becoming a soldier – which led him to the Franciscan order.

Maximillian was a master at using media to share the news of Jesus. He took advantage of the media that was available to him, even printing expensive copies of his magazine and newspaper, even if it was only three pages at a time. However, he soon developed ways to share more copies of the newspaper and magazine that had never been used before.

But, his competitors became so jealous and angry because people would buy his cheaper paper over the higher priced competitors, then he just adjusted and continued his work.

In our lives, we have people who will be used to throw obstacles in our plans. We must understand that if we are doing what God has called us to do – just as Maximillian was doing – then there will always be a way to do it. But, we must not get discouraged, we must not feel defeated, and we must never – ever –give up.

Maximillian was a man who never gave up. Even in the starvation chamber – he was the last man alive. Ensuring he stayed alive to encourage, pray with, and support the others in the chamber as they faced their final hours and last breath. He ensured those put in the chamber with him didn’t die alone, and ultimately, despite him being the last man alive – Maximillian never died alone since he always had the company of the Blessed Mother and Jesus.

Maximillian’s life shows the power of the love of Christ in our lives, exemplifies the impact on the world someone can make for Christ if they refuse to give up and let obstacles stop them, as well as showing how loving God means loving others.

Are you discouraged? Are you frustrated because plans have not gone as you thought? Never give up and have no fear – God will use the situation. You just have to keep moving forward, never stop, never give up, and always dedicate everything you do to Christ. One more very important lesson for everyone – never neglect how much the Blessed Mother loves you and wants to play a large role in your life. Fall in love with the Blessed Mother – just as Maximillian had done – then you have no choice but to fall in love with Jesus. Falling in love with Jesus – leads you to falling in love with the Blessed Mother. The result? A beautiful life…all for the glory of God.