Reflecting on the Sacrifice of Jesus and the Hope of the Resurrection

While preparing for today’s devotion, I came across a story by Krzysztof Kunert in the National Catholic Register on March 25, 2025. In 1941, at the Auschwitz concentration camp, Maximilian Kolbe, a Catholic priest, made the ultimate sacrifice by offering his life in place of Franciszek Gajowniczek, a fellow prisoner. Gajowniczek was one of ten men chosen to be placed in an underground bunker to starve to death after another prisoner had escaped—a cruel tactic meant to deter future escape attempts.

Gajowniczek pleaded for his life, desperate to stay out of the bunker for the sake of his wife and children. In an extraordinary act of selflessness, Kolbe stepped forward, offering to take his place. The Nazis agreed, and Kolbe willingly gave his life so that Gajowniczek could live. Reflecting on this story, I couldn’t help but think of how Kolbe followed in the footsteps of Jesus. In His final moments with His disciples, Jesus said, “There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (John 15:13). Kolbe exemplified this in his actions.

The journey of the Cross was grueling, demanding everything from Jesus. He left nothing on the table. He endured in just a few hours more than many of us will undergo in a lifetime. He faced false accusations, betrayal and denial by friends, humiliation, and the most unimaginable pain and torture known to man at that time. Worst of all, He experienced the heartbreaking separation from His Father’s presence—despite being completely innocent.

Yet, three days later, all was made right again amid the darkest days of man. The Light of Life broke through the darkness of despair, bringing hope to a broken world. Reflecting on the Cross is a bittersweet experience. While showing humanity at its worst, there is also the hope of the redemptive promise of resurrection power.

In the upside-down world of the gospel, we are reminded: “Yet God, in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins” (Romans 3:24).  Through Jesus’ death, our sins are wiped away, no longer counted against us. When God looks at us, He sees the righteousness of His Son, not our transgressions. How should we respond to such a great act of love? In the above article, Gajowniczek reflected, “I wanted to live so that Father Kolbe’s sacrifice wouldn’t be in vain.” Similarly, we are called to live in a way that honors Christ’s ultimate sacrifice, embracing the hope and grace He has freely given to us.

Jesus calls us to share the Good News of the freedom He offers with those still bound by sin. We don’t share our stories because we must but in response to our gratitude for the freedom He has given us. This gratitude compels us to invite others to experience that same freedom.

As Easter approaches, I encourage you to read Philippians 2:5–11. Take some time to reflect on what it cost Jesus to come to earth and go to the Cross in our place. Meditate on the power and hope of the resurrection. Then, consider inviting someone to attend an Easter service with you, where they, too, can hear and embrace the life-changing message of the Good News.