+ St. Lawrence of Brindisi was an Italian Franciscan who lived in the late 16th and early 17th centuries. Orphaned early in life he joined the Capuchin Friars in Verona at age sixteen, taking the name Lawrence. He developed a reputation as a scholar at the University of Padua, and was particularly adept at languages, ancient and modern alike. After ordination in 1582 he became a renowned and respected preacher in Padua, Verona and other Northern Italian towns. He was elected provincial of Tuscany and then of Venice. He was called to Rome by Pope Clement VIII to take special responsibility for the conversion of the Jews. He also spent considerable time and energy combating Protestantism at its inception. He had a deep devotion for the Eucharist and would spend sometimes three hours celebrating Mass.
Lawrence saw the need to clearly and concisely present the word of God for consideration, for contemplation, and for imitation. The word, he believed, comes first as a tiny seed, that we must cooperate with in the growing process or it will die in our minds and hearts. The fruit of the seed is everlasting life with God in heaven. This fruit is essential for all to produce. With God's own grace and strength we can be a fertile ground for the seed to sprout and flower, and we ourselves can be planters of the same seeds of contemplation in the minds and hearts of others, as was Lawrence of Brindisi.
Especially in our day and age we must continue to be willing to plant the seed of God's word and wisdom, for the world is more and more a pagan, godless, generic arena of smoke and illusion every day. Our faith, and our love and our willingness to pray for its conversion and then work for its accomplishment is very pleasing in God's sight – and wins the help and support of holy men and women in heaven who are praying for us, holy men such as St. Lawrence of Brindisi. The seed is the word of God, Christ is the sower; all who come to him will live forever!
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