Maximilian Kolbe, a Polish Franciscan priest, died in the Nazi Concentration Camp in Auschwitz, Poland. He did something very heroic: he offered his life in exchange for that of one of his companions, the father of a family, who was about to be executed. What he did was not only an act of heroism, but also an extraordinary example of love in an environment dominated by hatred.

In today's Gospel Jesus teaches us what we should do when our brother does something wrong. Basically, as Christians, we are responsible for other people. Moreover we should take part in the mission of helping others to become better persons. This does not mean that we have to be perfect or to do everything right in order to "go and have it out with him alone". We just have to be brave enough to confront others. Many people would rather say, "It is not my problem", or "somebody else is more suitable to act in this situation." These are just excuses. Saints are people who, even in critical situations, are still able to be responsible for others. Maximilian Kolbe sacrificed his life to save a companion.