[1]Today’s
readings are aptly chosen for the feast of St. Lawrence. While very little is
certain about this saint, we know he was one of seven deacons serving Pope
Saint Sixtus II, whose optional memorial was three days ago on August 7th.
As a deacon, Lawrence was charged with the responsibility for the material
goods of the Church, and the distribution of alms to the poor. He was known for
his great generosity to the poor. Lawrence knew he would be arrested like the
pope, so he gave all the money he had on hand to the poor, widows, and orphans
of Rome, selling even the sacred vessels of the altar to increase the sum. “Whoever sows bountifully
will also reap bountifully.” (2 Cor 9:6)
When the prefect in
Rome heard of this, he asked Lawrence to produce the riches of the Church. Lawrence
asked for three days to consolidate the treasures of the church into one place.
In greed the prefect agreed. At the end of the three days when the prefect
arrived, Deacon Lawrence presented him with the true treasure of the Church,
the poor, the blind, the lame, and the leprous, explaining, “Here is the treasure
of the Church!” Enraged, the prefect exclaimed, beheading
wasn’t enough for this Christian Deacon. He ordered Deacon Lawrence to be
burned alive, in public, on a griddle. Witnesses recorded the public martyrdom,
saying the deacon cheerfully offered himself to the Lord Jesus and even joked
with his executioners!
Tradition records
massive conversions to the Christian faith as a result of the holy life and
death of one Deacon who understood the true heart of his vocation. He was
poured out, like his Master, Jesus Christ the
Servant, in redemptive love, on behalf of others. It is still said to this day
that all of Rome became Christian as a result of the faithful life, and the
death, of this one humble deacon.
Today’s Gospel
passage quotes Jesus, explaining that people receive life by dying to
themselves. “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.” (Jn
12:24) The dying/living, giving/receiving paradox reflects the wisdom
hidden in the mystery of faith.
In a moment we will shift our hearts to the altar, where the priest, after the consecration and elevation of the Body and Blood of Christ asks the congregation to proclaim the mystery of faith. Our response is NOT about transubstantiation, it’s about death and life, along with Jesus’ coming again. The mystery of faith is that out of death comes life. We recall the entire mystery of salvation through Christ’s death and resurrection. And this is what we recall on this feast of St. Lawrence, the humble deacon remembered for his selfless ministry and generosity to the poor.[2] Who lived Jesus’ call that, “Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there also will my servant be.” (Jn 12:26)
[1] Scripture (NABRE), 2 Corinthians 9:6-10; John 12:24-26
[2] Weekday HomilyHelps. Exegesis by Michael
Guinan, OFM and Homily Suggestion by Norman Langenbrunner.
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