The Feast of St Lawrence

2 Cor. 9:6-10, Jn 12:24-26. Today we celebrate the feast of St Lawrence (225-258) who was born in Huesca, in the Roman province of Hispania Tarraconensis. While in Spain he met Sixtus, of Greek origin, one of the most esteemed teachers in Caesar-augusta (today Zaragoza). When Sixtus II became the Pope in 257, he ordained Lawrence a Deacon and appointed him as first among the seven Deacons who served in the patriarchal Church. Apparently the Roman authorities decreed that Christians should be executed and their goods confiscated by the Imperial treasury. Sixtus was captured on 6 August 258, at the cemetery of St Callistus while celebrating the liturgy and executed. After the death of Sixtus, the prefect of Rome demanded that Lawrence hand over to the State all the property of the Church. Lawrence asked for three days. He quickly distributed as much of it to the poor as possible, so as to prevent its being seized by the prefect.

On the third day he presented the poor, lame and the blind declaring that these were the true treasures of the Church. Accordingly he is honoured as the patron of all cheerful givers. Like Paul remarks in today's first reading, Lawrence gave his life cheerfully to the Lord knowing that those who sow generously will reap generously. This reminds us of the need to be true witnesses of the Lord and devoted ourselves to God wholeheartedly as part of our ‘sowing’ of the faith. Jesus adds in today's Gospel: "Unless a grain of wheat falls onto the ground and dies, it remains as a single grain, but if it dies, it will produce generous crops." Today, we are challenged to be exemplary in our lives as we live up to the demands of our faith as we give ourselves to God.

May the Lord grant us courage to overcome every trial and grace to conquer our weaknesses! Amen!! Good morning, it is well with you!!!