Wednesday, August 10, 2016



Feast of Saint Lawrence, deacon and martyr

(II Corinthians 9:6-10; John 12:24-26)

Lawrence is one of the most illustrious saints in the Church.  Stories about his martyrdom abound with both insight and humor.  Also, his feast day coincides with the visibility of shooting stars in the Italian skies.  Lawrence’s brilliant life is well reflected in both readings today.

Lawrence was a friend of the poor whose welfare as a deacon he oversaw.  He received from God the gift of life which he shared by working among the poor as the reading from Second Corinthians recommends.  Even more generously he sacrificed that life as a testimony of spirit so that the poor might believe.  As the gospel says, the seed dying in the ground will produce much fruit.

We can give similar testimony by remembering the poor in prayer and in deed.  Our request on their behalf will be matched by our generosity if we pray with sincerity.  Our solicitude on behalf of the needy will likely find us being more appreciative to God for all we have.