Feast of Saint Lawrence, Deacon and Martyr
Today is a great feast day! The feast of St. Lawrence, who died for the faith, being burned alive on a grill. As my mom would say, “St. Lawrence is the patron saint of football because he died on the gridiron.” Jesus said in the gospel today:
“Amen, amen, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat; but if it dies, it produces much fruit. Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will preserve it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there also will my servant be. The Father will honor whoever serves me.”
St. Lawrence knew and trusted in the Lord that if he died, it would not be the end but the beginning of something special, like St. Therese of the Child Jesus; he knew his mission would begin in heaven! It takes the blood of the martyrs who make the seeds grow and bear fruit! It started with the Lord, and to prove it, look how the Church has flourished to the present day! Still, persecutions and blood still flow, but as Christ said to St. Peter, “For the gates of hell will not overcome my Church!” Pray for those who are persecuted because of their faith; receive communion for them; we are more blessed than they are!
Reflection by Br. Maximilian Burkhart, OSB
Posted in Articles for Ordinary Time, Daily Reflections