Wednesday, August 10, 2022

 Feast of Saint Lawrence, deacon and martyr

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

St. Lawrence has been one of the most popular martyr-saints in the Church.  Two stories of his martyrdom have circulated since the third century.  Lawrence, a deacon of Rome, fooled state officials demanding “the treasures of the Church.”  In place of gold, he presented the indigent of the city.  Then it is said that his martyrdom came by being roasted alive!  After being tortured over hot coals awhile, Lawrence is said to have told his executioners that they could turn him over because he was done on one side.  Neither of these vignettes coincides well with today’s gospel.  One historical fact, however, lines up with the reading.

Lawrence was a bright young man when he was ordained by Pope St. Sixtus II deacon.  Although he could have looked forward to a brilliant career, he did not flee his persecutors.  Rather he willingly gave his life for Christ.  As a result of his dying, he has produced much fruit for the Church as well as himself.  His fame has no doubt has drawn many to Christ.  Lawrence himself is a saint shining like a star in the night sky.

We die to ourselves when we forego opportunities to talk to others about our accomplishments.  In the tell-all world in which we live, we are tempted to match any story we hear with one that has happened to us.  Instead of searching for a parallel experience in our lives, we might listen to others trying to discern how they are revealing their souls.  Responding with sensitivity, we imitate Christ’s compassion for people.

Monday, August 10, 2020

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.

Friday, August 10, 2018

Feast of Saint Lawrence, deacon and martyr

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

The Church’s calendar is so filled with memorials for the early martyrs that some may think there were more in antiquity than today.  But they would be mistaken.  More people die because of their belief in Christ now than ever.  The Christians who were slaughtered by ISIS soldiers a few years provide all too real evidence that blood continues to flow for Christ.

Today’s gospel assures that martyrs do not die in vain.  In the parable of the grain of wheat Jesus compares a martyr with a seed.  Just as the grain must die if it is to bring about an abundance of grains to eat, so must there be martyrs to attract the multitudes to Christ.  For this reason the Church has claimed, “The blood of martyrs is the seed of Christians.”

Today we celebrate one of the most illustrious Roman martyrs.  Lawrence was a deacon in charge of the Church’s treasury.  It is said that when the imperial authorities came searching for the Church’s treasures, Lawrence led them to the poor whom the Church has always fed.  The authorities lost no time in punishing this act of defiance.  We should emulate Lawrence in both ways indicated here.  We should testify to the Church’s option for the poor.  And we should readily make sacrifices for the Lord.