Feast of Saint Lawrence, Deacon and Martyr
Today is the Feast of St. Lawrence. Not much is known about his life. As a deacon in Rome, he managed church goods and distribution of alms to the poor. Today’s readings fit with St. Lawrence. St. Paul wrote to the Corinthians that God abundantly provides grace so that what good we do is abundant too. St. Lawrence must’ve believed that. One legend tells of a time when the prefect of Rome ordered him to show all of the Church’s wealth within three days. Consequently, St. Lawrence gathered a large group of the poor, the sick, widows, orphans, and others who were most vulnerable in society. He then proclaimed, “These are the treasure of the Church.
Whether this story is true or not, it can help us reflect on what we consider our treasure to be. True wealth doesn’t come from material possessions but from how we take care of each other, living out what Jesus taught: “The greatest among you must be your servant” (Matthew 23:11) and “For the one who is least among all of you is the one who is the greatest” (Luke 9:48).
St. Paul also wrote to the Corinthians, “God loves a cheerful giver.” St. Lawrence was an example of a cheerful giver, even to the point of giving up his life. Another famous legend tells of his death as a martyr in which he was ordered to be roasted alive on a gridiron. After a while of experiencing torture, he cheerfully told the executioner, “I’m done on this side!” Then, he prayed for Rome’s conversion and died. Most of us are not called to give in that way, but we are called to be generous from our heart. Later today, I will be attending the Jubilee celebration of Marianist Sisters, Brothers, and Priests. All of them are witnesses of cheerful giving and years of service to God and others. They demonstrate what Jesus said in today’s Gospel about how following him means service. Who in your life is an example of such generosity? May we find our treasure in joyful generosity.
—Sr. Emily Sandoval, FMI