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.
