Zeal for God's Glory -- Maximilian Kolbe

Zeal for God's Glory   St. Maximilian Kolbe   St. Maximilian Kolbe, a Polish Franciscan, offered his life in exchange for the life of a family man doomed to execution by the Nazis at Auschwitz.  His memorial feast is celebrated by the Roman Catholic Church on August 14, when this reading forms part of the Divine Office of Readings and contrasts religious indifferentism with the path of obedience to God's will, prudence, wisdom and perfect love.  Fr. Maximilian Kolbe was canonized on October 10, 1982 by Pope John Paul II, and declared "a martyr of charity." He is the patron saint of drug addicts, political prisoners, families, journalist, amateur radio, prisoners, and the pro-life movement. Pope John Paul II declared him the "The Patron Saint of Our Difficult Century."   I rejoice greatly, dear brother, at the outstanding zeal that drives you to promote the glory of God. It is sad to see how in our times the disease called “indifferentism” is spreading in all its forms, not just among those in the world but also among the members of religious orders. But indeed, since God is worthy of infinite glory, it is our first and most pressing duty to give him such glory as we, in our weakness, can manage – even that we would never, poor exiled creatures that we are, be able to render him such glory as he truly deserves. Because God’s glory shines through most brightly in the salvation of the souls that Christ redeemed with his own blood, let it be the chief concern of the apostolic life to bring salvation and an increase in holiness to as many souls as possible. Let me briefly outline the best way to achieve this end – both for the glory of God and for the sanctification of the greatest number. God, who is infinite knowledge and infinite wisdom, knows perfectly what is to be done to give him glory, and in the clearest way possible makes his will known to us through his vice-regents on Earth. It is obedience and obedience alone that shows us God’s will with certainty. Of course our superiors may err, but it cannot happen that we, holding fast to our obedience, should be led into error by this. There is only one exception: if the superior commands something that would obviously involve breaking God’s law, however slightly. In that case the superior could not be acting as a faithful interpreter of God’s will. God himself is the one infinite, wise, holy, and merciful Lord, our Creator and our Father, the beginning and the end, wisdom, power, and love – God is all these. Anything that is apart from God has value only in so far as it is brought back to him, the Founder of all things, the Redeemer of mankind, the final end of all creation. Thus he himself makes his holy will known to us through his vice-regents on Earth and draws us to himself, and through us – for so he has willed – draws other souls too, and unites them to himself with an ever more perfect love. See then, brother, the tremendous honor of the position that God in his kindness has placed us in. Through obedience we transcend our own limitations and align ourselves with God’s will, which, with infinite wisdom and prudence, guides us to do what is best. Moreover, as we become filled with the divine will, which no created thing can resist, so we become stronger than all others. This is the path of wisdom and prudence, this is the one way by which we can come to give God the highest glory. After all, if there had been another, better way, Christ would certainly have shown it to us, by word and by example. But in fact sacred Scripture wraps up his entire long life in Nazareth with the words and he was obedient to them and it shows the rest of his life to have been passed in similar obedience – almost as an instruction to us – by showing how he came down to Earth to do the Father’s will. Brethren, let us love him above all, our most loving heavenly Father, and let our obedience be a sign of this perfect love, especially when we have to sacrifice our own wills in the process. And as for a book from which to learn how to grow in the love of God, there is no better book than Jesus Christ crucified. All this we will achieve more easily through the intercession of the Immaculate Virgin, to whom the most kind God has given the task of dispensing his mercies. There is no doubt that the will of Mary should be the will of God for us. When we dedicate ourselves to him, we become tools in her hands just as she became a tool in his. Let us let her direct us and lead us by the hand. Let us be calm and serene under her guidance: she will foresee all things for us, provide all things, swiftly fulfil our needs both bodily and spiritual, and keep away from us all difficulty and suffering.     Click here to download, print and share "Zeal for God," Click Here!   For more Catholic resources to feed your faith, visit the Crossroads Initiative Homepage.     To sign up for our free weekly e-mail with Dr. D'Ambrosio's commentary on the Sunday readings, liturgical feasts, updates on where Dr. D will be speaking, a chance to WIN a FREE CD and MORE, CLICK HERE!   I Believe - The Heart of Catholic Faith by: Marcellino D'Ambrosio, Ph.D. The Creed teaches us that God is a communion of Persons - the Trinity- and tell us of their nature and mission. In this four-part series, Marcellino D'Ambrosio uses enlightening metaphors and colorful anecdotes to show us that we are called to "live the Creed" by developing a loving relationship with God the Father, Son, and Spirit, and to have a deep devotion to the one, holy, Catholic and apostolic Church.   Made in Holy Land - Olive Wood Mother of Pearl Crucifix This is a beautiful 5.5" x3.5" Olive Wood Crucifix with inlaid Mother of Pearl. Olivewood and Mother of Pearl carving is long Holy Land tradition that dates backs hundreds of years.  These skills have been kept in the family and passed through the generations, father to son. Our vendor in the Holy Land begins with the highest quality olivewood, which is trimmed and dried for years to ensure its durability and beauty. This blessed wood comes from the olive groves in Bethlehem’s countryside. and our vendor has maintained the highest standards of our hand carving. Our vendor’s business, Bethlehem New Store has become an important part of the Bethlehem economy and provides dozens of jobs to local families. Makes a wonderful gift for anyone and brings a piece of the Holy Land home! (Makes the perfect RCIA Gift!) Be sure to check out the other incredible Holy Land Items we will be adding! Mary and the Rosary Gift Set Whether you have questions about Mary and the Rosary or want to deepen your devotion, this gift bundle is the perfect set for you or anyone who would like more information. Begin with How Mary and the Rosary Can Change Your Life – this 2 CD set by Dr. Marcellino D'Ambrosio that explains the Virgin Mary as the model of faith, the true meaning of the Rosary and how both can change your life! Then take what you have heard from Dr. D’Ambrosio and pray the Scriptural Rosary – this hardcover booklet combines the recitation of the rosary with a short passage from scripture, said before each Hail Mary. It is a great aid for meditating more fruitfully on the mysteries! Then enjoy the beautiful singing of the Rosary by Kitty Cleveland - Our hope is that Kitty Cleveland's "The Miracle of Love" Rosary CD will lead you into a deeper state of union with the Lord as you contemplate the face of Jesus Christ with his Blessed Mother. Need some tips on your prayer life - Personal Prayer: Pathway to Joy is a wonderful way to help you develop your prayer life with practical tips and advice. And finally, Exploring the Catholic Church by Dr. Marcellino D'Ambrosio is the ideal book to help you better understand the Catholic Faith. For yourself, for an RCIA candidate, for anyone! JUST ADDED - An Olive Wood Rosary from the Holy Land! This amazing gift set would normal retail for $75.80 but is available for a limited time for only $56.85. Order today for yourself or a friend.   Discernment: Identifying God's Will In Everyday Life- Fr. Pacwa 3CDs What is God calling you to do? How do you interpret whether or not He may be sending you a sign? How do you listen to what God is trying to tell you? In three informative and entertaining lectures, Fr. Pacwa offers guidelines for a deeper understanding of God's will, from vocational discernment to everyday decisions. (3CD set)