Scripture
John 15: 12-16
Jesus said to his disciples:
“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. I do not call you servants any longer, because the servant does not know what the master is doing; but I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from my Father. You did not choose me but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask him in my name.”
New Revised Standard Version, copyright 1989, by the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. USCCB approved.
Ignatian Reflection
To Lay Down One’s Life
Today, on the Feast of St. Maximilian Kolbe, we remember the savagery of Auschwitz, where Kolbe lived out the words of John 15:13, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” In Kolbe’s case, he laid down his life for a stranger. The Nazis chose ten men to die of starvation because one inmate had escaped. Kolbe’s offer to take the place of one who was a husband and father was accepted.
A Polish Franciscan, Kolbe was imprisoned for being outspoken against Hitler and providing shelter to Jews. At Auschwitz, he went the extra, torturous mile by giving his life for a man who later attended his canonization.
None of us expect or hope for martyrdom. All of us have at one time wondered, “. . .but what would I do if. . .?” Let us pray to St. Maximilian for the courage to lead our lives for others.
—Effie Caldarola has a master’s degree in pastoral studies from Seattle University. She was a longtime columnist for Catholic News Service and now writes for OSV.
Ignatian Prayer
Aug 14, 2026
Prayer
St. Maximilian Kolbe, let us hear the words of Pope Francis and make them our prayer: “Ask Jesus what he wants from you, and be brave.”
—Effie Caldarola
The Daily Examen is a prayer technique developed by St. Ignatius to help us reflect on the events of the day to discern God's presence and direction. When Ignatius founded the Society of Jesus, he required the Jesuits to practice the Examen twice daily—at noon and at the end of the day. It's a habit that Jesuits, and many other Christians, practice to this day.
The Examen structure presented below is adapted from a technique described by Ignatius Loyola in his Spiritual Exercises. Click here for more information from our partners in ministry at Loyola Press.
Daily Examen
1. Become aware of God's presence
God, I believe that at this moment I am in your presence and you are loving me.
2. Review the day with gratitude
God, you know my needs better than I know them. Give me your light and your help to see how you have been with me, both yesterday and today.
3. Pay attention to your emotions
God, help me to be grateful for the moments when people have affirmed me and challenged me. Help me to see how I have responded, and whether I have been kind to others and open to growth.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it
God, forgive me for when I have not done my best or have failed to treat others well. Encourage me, guide me, and continue to bless me.
5. Look toward tomorrow
As I look to the remainder of this day, make me aware that you are with me. Show me how to be the person you want me to be.
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