Memorial of Saint Lawrence, deacon and martyr
(II Corinthians 9:6-10; John 12:24-26)
Like many of the early martyrs St. Lawrence is more of a
personage than a person. There is not
much factual history about him, yet he is famous for different reasons. First, there are several charming stories
told about him. Then, a church dedicated
to him became one of seven important churches in Rome. Finally, his
intercession is credited for a victory of armies representing Christians in
later ages.
Lawrence’s martyrdom, nevertheless, was real and
costly. As Jesus reminds us in today’s
gospel, Christian martyrdom becomes the seed of growth for the Church. Today Christians may undergo a kind of
martyrdom by adhering to Church teachings.
It is difficult not to join neighbors seeking pleasure in a
contraceptive culture. Giving to the
needy not just from one’s superabundance but from one’s basic allowance also is
challenging.
Saints are not only to be imitated; they are also to be petitioned. So we pray to St. Lawrence that we give
testimony to our faith as true martyrs and that we assist the needy poor as God
asks.
