St. Lawrence, Deacon & Martyr
2 Cor 9: 6-10; Jn 12: 24-26
Dc. Larry Brockman
Today is the Feast of St. Lawrence, Deacon and Martyr. Not only do I share the same name, but by the grace of God, I share St. Lawrence’s Diaconal calling as well.
St. Lawrence’s story is riveting, and was recorded for us by St. Ambrose. In the third century, Lawrence served as Pope Sixtus II’s Deacon. As Pope Sixtus was being led to his execution under the Roman Emperor Valerian’s persecution, Lawrence lamented that he was not sharing in Sixtus’ fate. So Sixtus remarked to him prophetically that he also would lose his life in just three days!
Indeed, the Roman’s then summoned Lawrence and demanded the “treasures of the church” from him, knowing that Sixtus’ Deacon was the keeper of the purse. Lawrence cheerfully agreed to provide them the treasures. But Lawrence assembled all of the poor, widowed, maimed, and lepers in front of his accusers and boldly proclaimed that these were the treasures of the Church. The Romans seized Lawrence and sentenced him to be burned alive on an open grill. As Lawrence was being executed, he was allegedly heard admonishing his tortures in defiance to turn him over, he was done on one side.
St. Lawrence understood what it meant to die to oneself. He had dedicated his life in service as a Deacon, and he was obedient to Sixtus and the Church. Lawrence treasured the Christ in all of his people; the breathing, living, spirit of God; and the goodness that dwells in all of us despite what the external appearances or the assessment in the eyes of the world tells to the contrary.
Indeed, Christ does dwells in the poor, widowed, maimed, and lepers amongst us in today’s world. This includes those with severe diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and all forms of physical disabilities- today’s maimed and lepers; it includes the homeless, the jobless, victims of human trafficking and many who live day to day- todays poor; and it includes those who have lost loved ones or lost everything in some tragedy- todays widowed. There are many of these people in our affluent community. And, as in Lawrence time, they are the treasure of the Church because God desires that all of us be saved. We are the body of Christ; and the Body of Christ is the strength of the Church and the Kingdom of God.
Our Gospel parable tells us that we must put aside our own desires and allow ourselves to die to them, else we die alone and abandoned. On the other hand, if we fall to the ground, and let God take over, then we will produce much fruit.
But then after that parable, Jesus says this directly. “Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there also will my servant be.” And Jesus is with all those who believe and hope in him, including the maimed, poor, and widows. Jesus goes on to say: “The Father will honor whoever serves me”. And that is our ultimate goal: to follow Jesus and share in the honor of those who serve him.
The Feast St Lawrence is a reminder that all of us are called to get involved. The suffering part of the body of Christ is all around us. They are the treasure of the Church; they are our brothers and sisters in the Body of Christ. We need to bring them home because that is how all of us will thrive.
As Paul tells us in today’s reading: “Whoever sows bountifully will reap bountifully;” and that “God is able to make every grace abundant for you”. So, if you know someone who is sick, struggling, losing their mobility, or recovering from a disaster; help them in their moment of need. Don’t wait to be asked. They are the treasure of the Church.
