10 August 2018
Feast of Saint Lawrence, Deacon and Martyr
Today, the Church celebrates Saint Lawrence, the third-century deacon who cheerfully gave up his life as a witness to Christ. This saint, along with so many others that were martyred during the early years of the Church, astonished onlookers by his freedom, his readiness, and yes, even his joy of dying for the faith and giving up this earthly life for the one that is eternal. The result was the conversion of countless observers. As Christ says in today’s gospel, the grain of wheat that falls to the ground and dies “produces much fruit.”
Following Christ gives us a radical sense of freedom to give of ourselves, recognizing that what we give does not come from us but from our heavenly Father. We cling not to this fleeting life, but to our everlasting life with God. Doing so requires that we live with Christ ever present in our minds. Is this a challenge? Yes. Even when we set our minds to it, it can be easy for us to see it as a burden rather than a grace. But if we are mindful, honest, and diligent, we will let that spirit of love and gratitude fill us so that we can in every instant give of ourselves and give our lives to others in the name of Christ Jesus. St. Lawrence, pray for us!