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Today, you can visit Cell 18, where Maximilian Kolbe
spent his final days before being put to death by lethal injection. Tour
operators even arrange visits to the cell as part of their itineraries.
But is the story of Maximilian Kolbe just an unusual episode from the days
of the Third Reich, or does it have something to help us in the way we live
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The death cell at Auschwitz is now a shrine to the memory of Maximilian
Kolbe. |
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Here are a couple of questions to think about...
> Maximilian Kolbe gave his life to save the
life of a stranger. Can you think of anyone you might give your life for?
> Is there a practical, everyday application
of what Kolbe did which can help enrich our lives and relationships with
others?
Interested in talking about Maximilan Kolbe and the
issues he raises for today? Visit the rejesus community
boards and either start or join in a discussion on the life of Kolbe.
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Andy Economides, a well-known
Christian speaker in the UK, Europe and Africa, visited Auschwitz and
speaks of the impact of being in Cell 18, and the relevance of the story
of Maximilian Kolbe for today...
Three years ago during a trip to Poland I
visited Auschwitz, which is still surrounded by a triple row of fences
which were originally electrified. Inside the prison chamber I stood motionless
gazing through the bars at the dark and gloomy cell in which Kolbe was
kept before his death.
I could not but think about the amazing love that this one man had for
another. Maximilian’s act of love was to sacrifice his own life;
it was voluntary. This death had purpose – it allowed another, Francis
Gajowniczek to live to a very old age. Maximilian’s gift of his life
reminds me of Jesus Christ’s gift of His life for the whole of humanity.
This quote has been used with permission
from True by Andy Economides © 2003 Soteria Trust. All Rights
Reserved. Visit Andy Economides' website here.
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