Friday, Feast of St. Lawrence, deacon and martyr
Fifty years ago martyrs enjoyed more popularity than today. People then enjoyed hearing the following story of the martyrdom of St. Lawrence. In a gruesome way to die St. Lawrence was roasted alive. Half way through the ordeal, however, St. Lawrence joked with his executioners. “I am done on this side,” he said, “you can turn me over.” To this day this saint is always pictured with a roasting brazier like we use to barbecue hamburgers.
Nowadays martyrdom is often ridiculed. If people call us a martyr, they likely mean to pay us no compliment. Rather, they probably think that we neurotically wish to suffer. Perhaps there is wisdom in not romanticizing martyrs as was done by frequent repetition of the story St. Lawrence’s brazier. After all, we pray “deliver us from evil” precisely to avoid the terrible choice between faith and premature death.
Yet it may be that we simplistically criticize former manners for their simplicity. The story of St. Lawrence’s martyrdom at least conveys the idea that there are values dearer than physical life. Eternal life is one such value and also our faith commitments. Whether it be priesthood, religious life, marriage, or just following the teachings of Jesus, young people today have great trouble committing themselves. Stories like St. Lawrence’s joyfully accepting his death for God may help everyone embrace these higher values more readily.
