If two or three are gathered in my Name, I am there

Deut. 34:1-12, Mt. 18:15-20. Today's first reading recalls how Moses died on the far side of Jordan and how God remains with His people for the whole of their journey. Similarly, Jesus is always with His followers, even when two or three are gathered in His name. Though his burial place is unknown, Moses died as he lived, in a face to face contact with God. Since Jesus shares in the Divine nature He also enjoys constant contact with God. In this same vein, Jesus wants us to pray in communion within the Church to have regular contact with God. St Maximilian Kolbe whose memorial we celebrate enjoyed such constant contact with God. He gave his life for a very noble cause, imitating the very love which God has given to us His beloved ones.

Maximilian Kolbe served the Lord faithfully for many years and dedicated his life for the greater glory of God and the salvation of His people. He returned to Poland where he was born and continued to serve the Church afterwards in the years preceding the Second World War. He stayed on when the forces of Nazi Germany overran the entire nation of Poland and beyond. As a priest, he inspired many of the inmates in the camp to remain strong in their faith and in their hope. Maximilian Kolbe is remembered for his courageous and selfless love, when he offered himself in exchange for another inmate who was about to be executed.

May the love of the Lord in us overcome all things and may there never be limit to our faith, hope and endurance! Amen!! Good morning and have a wonderful day!!!