Today we celebrate the Feast of St. Lawrence, Deacon, and Martyr. When I was a Parish Priest in the Philippines, one of those villages of the parish jurisdiction is under the Patronage of St. Lawrence. During the papacy of Sixtus II, he was appointed as custodian of the properties of the Church in Rome and cared for the temporal needs of the poor. Because of his position, Emperor Valerius ordered the execution of the Pope, bishops, and clergymen except Lawrence, the Deacon. At the back of Valerius’ mind, Lawrence could bring him all the treasures of the Church. Indeed, Lawrence was obedient but instead of bringing expensive chalices made of gold and silver, he brought to Valerius the true treasures of the Church, the sick, the orphans, the widows, and poor people. Valerius was angry and commanded his soldier to roast Lawrence alive. With his fidelity to God and the Church, he offered himself to die and cheerfully told his executioners, “It is well done! Flip me over to the other side.” This story lingers in the memory of the people that even until now, his martyrdom has been remembered with humor and heroism. He died in 258 AD.
Today’s first reading from St. Paul’s second epistle to the Corinthians reminds us that “God is able to make every grace abundant for you, so that in all things, always having all you need, you may have an abundance of every good work.” God gives us everything, but many struggle about giving back. The good things we are given we should give back in charity, and in good works. And we should give back cheerfully. Whatever we give our time and energy, then expect more blessings in return. When we give, we know how to love, and if there is no love, then it is useless because you will always remember and count what you have given.
The gospel tells us when Jesus says, “…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.” We are the seeds buried in the soil. Some transformations are hidden, but the power of growing unfolds within us. By God’s grace, we must bear many good fruits for others.
“God loves a cheerful giver,” according to St. Paul. Hence, God expects each of us, to make God’s presence real in our day-to-day life. How do I nurture these gifts and blessings from God so that I can be a blessing to them and be like St. Lawrence?
St. Lawrence, pray for us.
Fr. Arlon, osa
