Memorial of Saint Maximilian Kolbe, Priest and Martyr
When my husband and I read and reflect on scripture, we often comment that our understanding of the text is limited because we see through our current day vision. Today’s scripture reading describes the momentous occasion when the Israelites have arrived at the promised land, and Joshua calls them to recommit to serving the LORD as they begin this new life. We are also called to serve God today with our lives. What does serving God mean for us today, and how can we put this service into action in our daily lives?
The first reading from Joshua is the beginning of a new life in the Promised Land for the Israelites. Joshua reminds the people of all that God has done for them- bringing them out of Egypt, providing for them on the journey, and allowing them entry into this new land. The Israelites were forced to serve their captors in Egypt, but Joshua reminds the people that God is allowing them to choose to serve only God, not the gods of other nations. When the Israelites profess their commitment to God, Joshua commemorates the event with a stone that has “witnessed all the words that were shared between God and the people.”
When I reflect on this reading, it makes we wonder why God desires service? God is almighty and all knowing and needs nothing from us. God does not force obedience, but invites the Israelites to a covenant relationship. Much of the relationship that is highlighted by Joshua is God’s continual care and protection for the people during their time of slavery and travel to the new land. God calls the Israelites to serve, since this allows the people of God to recognize God as their creator and LORD. This realization creates a deep sense of humility as the Israelites recognize their need and dependence on God. They are also reminded that their God loves them in many ways. When the Israelites serve God, they put God above all other things, people and circumstances. God becomes their “portion and cup” and their source of joy and fullness of life. They serve God through their worship and their desire to follow God’s commandments. Their service helps to unite and cement their covenant relationship with the LORD.
How are we called to serve God today? Similar to the Israelites, I believe we are called to serve God through our recognition of God’s omnipotence, mercy and love. If we understand that God is the source of all creation, then we serve God when we humbly worship God for all life and creation. But I believe that is goes beyond this. We serve God not only when we recognize God as the source of all good things, but when we use these gifts from God to share with others through our service to them. When we treat others with mercy, compassion, love and kindness, we take the gifts that God has shared with us and pass them on. We serve God when we have faith in God’s love and live as God calls us to live. We serve God when we help build the Kingdom. Jesus reminds us in today’s gospel reading that we must be childlike to be a part of God’s Kingdom. Children are trusting, obedient, and humble- we are called to be the same. Just like the children in today’s reading, Jesus draws us to Himself, blesses us, and then sends us forth to serve God and others by being disciples of Christ.
Today we celebrate the feast of St. Maximilian Kolbe. St. Maximilian Kolbe was a Polish priest who volunteered to die in place of a stranger at the death camp in Auschwitz. He served God and his fellow man by giving his life. St. Maximilian Kolbe realized that giving of oneself in the service of others is the greatest display of a person’s love and service to God. “Let us remember that love lives through sacrifice and is nourished by giving. Without sacrifice, there is no love. “ This saint loved greatly by offering his greatest gift- his life. He learned to love this way through his imitation of Jesus. As disciples, we are called to follow Jesus by serving others with love and humility. We may not be giving up our life like St. Maximilian Kolbe, but in the small sacrifices that we make in our daily lives for our family, friends, co-workers, and strangers, we display the Goodness of God and serve the LORD..
Loving God, Jesus shows us that service involves love and humility, and it is instrumental in building the Kingdom. May Your Spirit provide the grace we need to turn to You, trust in Your love, and become conduits of this love for the world. May our service to You bring you glory and praise. We pray this in Christ’s name. AMEN
Marylynn Herchline