By the middle of the third-century, hostility against the early followers of Jesus Christ was growing. The barbarism and severity of pagan Rome had begun to reach a fever pitch. Even as early as the days of the Apostles, the Roman Empire was a challenging mission field for these early Christians. Nonetheless, the newborn Christian Church, faithful to the One who had given Himself for the life of the world, continued the work of His redemption.
Today, we celebrate the Feast of the martyred deacon St. Lawrence, who was killed by the Roman authorities four days after Pope Sixtus was killed. According to the Christian tradition, Deacon Lawrence, knowing that the fervor of the Roman emperor’s hatred was extending to all Christians who owned property, began to give it all away. He distributed the money and treasures of the Church to the city’s poor – believing the clear admonition of the Savior that they were blessed and especially loved by Him. Deacon Lawrence even went as far as presenting the poor themselves to the emperor because they were “the true riches of the Church.” A special devotion to St. Lawrence spread throughout the entire Christian community. Early Christians had no doubt that those who had gone to be with the Lord continued to pray for those who still struggled in this earthly life. They saw in Lawrence a great example of how to live, and how to die, faithful to the Gospel.
Let us pray. O Generous patron of the Church’s poor, St. Lawrence, pray to God that all the poor of the Church in need in every corner of the world may feel the effect of the love of their brothers and sisters who seek to help them. Deliver the Church from the greed and envy of the powerful and protect her rights and property so that she may serve the needy in freedom, giving them good things for soul and body. May we come some day with all those whom we helped on earth to the bright mansions of heaven where we will enjoy the riches of God’s house and the company of the Savior who lives and reigns forever and ever. Amen.
