There is no more deeply rooted instinct in the human person than the drive to hold on to life. And yet, St. Maximillian was willing to follow Christ in the fullest way, surrending his own life to save another. His group of prisoners were sentenced to be starved to death, in an attempt to deter any other escape attempts. When he did not die after two weeks, he was given an injection of carbolic acid.
It is easy to imagine a parent who gives their life to save a child. But which of us would so simply surrender our life to save a stranger?
How did he do it?
If we look to his spiritual life we find a deep devotion to Mary. Perhaps if we follow the example of his spiritual life, we may find ourselves more able to follow his example of self-sacrifice, not only for our friends and those we love.
