Posted by The WORD in other words (2013) by Fr Flavie Villanueva SVD – Divine Word Seminary, Tagaytay City
Feast of Saint Lawrence, Deacon – August 10
Today we celebrate the martyrdom of the deacon Lawrence who died in Rome in 258. He was charged with the administration of the material goods of the Church, and the distribution of alms to the poor.
When Lawrence knew he would be arrested and likely to be killed like Pope Sixtus II, he sought out the poor, widows and orphans of Rome and gave them all the money ha had on hand and even sold the sacred vessels to increase the sum.
The moment the prefect of Rome heard of this, he became furious and demanded Lawrence to show an account of the treasure of the Church. Lawrence replied that the Church was indeed rich. He said, “I will show you the treasures we have. But give me time to set everything in order and make an inventory.”
After three days, he gathered a great number of blind, lame, maimed, lepers, orphans and widows. He showed them before the Roman authorities saying, “These are the treasures of the Church.” The prefect was so enraged and told Lawrence that he would indeed have his wish to die but it would be by inches, a slow burning death.
We are reminded today in the Gospel of the example of Saint Lawrence who turned aways attachment with power, prestige and money. God calls us to work to feed ourselves and uplift our dignity. He tells us that 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.
Our lives, our work and business should produce fruits. But production and earnings by themselves should not be the end. Indeed, we are entitled to the fruits of our labor but if they are treated as exclusive property, they die. On the other hand, if they are shared to help the people around us especially the last, lost and least in our society, they produce more.
The unhappiest and loneliest people in the world are those who only think of themselves, their gains and satisfaction, their shopping, vices, food and pleasure, and their work and profits. They care little or none for those in need.
Let us heed today’s Gospel: “Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will preserve it for eternal life.” Turn yourself over to the Lord.
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