Saint Lawrence

The Church celebrates the Feast of Saint Lawrence! He was a deacon of the Church of Rome and became a martyr during the persecution of Valerian. Devotion to Saint Lawrence became widespread in the Fourth Century (Magnificat, 130-31). We are blessed today to have another example of someone who gave their life for the sake of Christ, the sake of the gospel, the sake of the Church. Saint Lawrence truly lived the gospel that is proclaimed on his feastday, John 12:24-26. Here are some of the images that Jesus uses, "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." The gospel acclamation for this day truly sums it up, "Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life, says the Lord." The light of Christ that we received at baptism still burns deep within and we pray each day that it will always burn bright. We look today to Saint Lawrence for his example and prayers. May we continue to follow the Lord each day, serving him and the needs of our brothers and sisters as we await the full reality of God's Kingdom. Have a blessed day!!!