Feast of St. Lawrence, Deacon and Martyr

Today's Mass Readings

Most of us have heard the legend of St. Lawrence’s martyrdom. He is said to have been burned alive on a gridiron. Furthermore, in a moment of macabre drollery, the Roman deacon supposedly quipped to his torturers: “Turn me over. I’m done on this side.”

The Church emphasizes a different story from Lawrence’s martyrdom – no less defiant or courageous. In the early Church, deacons were tasked administration of the Church’s goods and care for the poor, over the liturgical roles they would later assume. Already having harassed the pope and other Roman clergy, the pagan authorities wanted to seize the Church’s altar vessels, precious liturgical books, and monies. This was a way to cripple worship, surely, but also to greedily exploit a minority group known for their charity. Prompted to produce the Church’s valuables on the following day, St. Lawrence quickly gave everything away to provide for the unfortunates in the city. When called to account by the authorities, he marched a group of beggars, widows, and orphans before them stating: “Behold, the treasures of the Church.” In this he taught them where their treasure should lie and won for himself the martyrs crown.

St. Paul reminds us that “whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.” Lawrence was able to give his very life because he made a consistent yes to God’s will. He poured himself out daily so that when asked to make a heroic act, he could also assent. Anyone can be a hero for a day. The virtue of constancy is perfected by acting as Jesus did and calling upon grace to supply what human weakness cannot merit. The saints show us God can use our cleverness, our trifles, and material goods to serve Him, just as Lawrence did for so many centuries ago.

Reflection by Fr. Pachomius Meade, OSB