SAINT LAWRENCE, DEACON AND MARTYR (FEAST)

Whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.

“Turn me over. I’m done on this side.”

Many of us are familiar with this quote from St. Lawrence, whose feast we celebrate today. When Pope Sixtus II was executed by the Roman Emperor Valerian on August 6, AD 258, Lawrence, a deacon, was left to run the papal household. A day after Sixtus’ death, the prefect of Rome gave Lawrence three days to hand over the riches of the Church. Instead, Lawrence sold most of the Church’s assets and distributed the money to the poor. When the deadline arrived, Lawrence produced these recipients and told the prefect, “These are the riches of the Church.” For that, the prefect sentenced Lawrence to be roasted to death over a fire, where he uttered his famous last words.

The story of Lawrence’s bravery, his care for the poor, and his good humor spread throughout the city of Rome. It gave comfort and courage to other Christians facing persecution, and it moved a number of unbelievers to profess their faith in Jesus. If this man could face such a painful death with joy, they reasoned, then perhaps it really was true that Jesus had risen from the dead. And that would mean that he had overcome death for everyone who believes!

St. Lawrence’s witness is a dramatic illustration of St. Paul’s words in today’s first reading that anyone who “sows bountifully will also reap bountifully” (2 Corinthians 9:6). Lawrence sowed bountifully as he joyfully served the Lord and as he willingly gave up his life for Christ. And he reaped bountifully: in his ability to face death cheerfully, in the conversions he inspired, and in his glorious entry into heaven.

This promise of reaping bountifully is for us as well. Jesus wants to give us so much. He wants to fill us with joy and courage and the hope of the resurrection. So let’s sow bountifully today by loving the Lord and serving his people every chance we get.

“Lord, teach me to sow bountifully for the sake of your kingdom!”

2 Corinthians 9:6-10
Psalm 112: 1-2, 5-9
John 12:24-26