+ St. Lawrence was a third-century archdeacon of Rome, distributor
of alms, and “keeper of the treasures of
the church” in a time when Christianity was outlawed. On August 6, 285, by
decree of Emperor Valerian, Pope Saint Sixtus II and six deacons were beheaded,
leaving Lawrence, a deacon as the ranking Church official in Rome.
While in prison awaiting
execution Sixtus reassured Lawrence that he
was not being left behind; they would
be reunited in four days. Lawrence saw this time as an opportunity to
disperse the material wealth of the church before the Roman authorities could
lay their hands on it.
On August 10 Lawrence was
commanded to appear for his execution, and to bring along the treasure with
which he had been entrusted by the pope. When he arrived, the archdeacon was
accompanied by a multitude of Rome’s crippled, blind, sick and indigent. He
announced that these were the true
treasures of the Church. He was then led to execution. A colorful legend
has it that he was burned on a gridiron where he instructed his executioners to
turn him over in time because he was already done on one side; but another more
reliable source tells us that Lawrence was simply beheaded like the seven who
had gone before him.
Either way: Lawrence has
always been known as one of the greatest and most renowned martyrs in all of
Church history and a true inspiration for all to spend their lives and to give
their selves entirely and completely to the Lord Jesus as his instrument in
sanctification and salvation: even if it means death.
The first reading today finds
St. Paul, who gave his all, telling the Corinthians that God is able to make every
grace abundant for those who have decided to cooperate with him in doing his
will and work; and in the gospel passage Jesus assures those whose cooperation
involves the ultimate gift of giving one’s life – to any degree – but
especially by the sacrifice of physical death – much fruit will result in the
world, and for the giver of the gift in heaven.
Blessed
Lawrence cried out: I worship my God and serve only him. So I do not fear your
torture. God is my rock, I take refuge in him, so I do not fear your torture.
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