In the modern world, there seems to be ample space carved out to favor the strong, the privileged, and the supposed “winners,” but Jesus challenges us to “see” in a different way. He challenges us to see that His Way is a “new way” to love and care for one another. Our basic Christian vocation is to reach out to our brother, our sister, and every one of our neighbors in need. But there are obviously great needs everywhere.
As much as our hearts long to give a cup of water to the thirsty everywhere, to heal all the sick, to shine God’s light in the darkest places, most situations seem well beyond our reach. They aren’t, though. Not really. For we are many, and through the countless hands, hearts, minds, and voices that make up the Church, we can be virtually everywhere. But it takes all of us. Don’t wait for “everyone else” to step forward to live the Gospel! And be sure to rely on “the great cloud of witnesses,” the Saints, all of whom God has provided for our encouragement and inspiration.
Very little is known about St. Lawrence, whose Feast we celebrate today, but his existence and martyrdom in the year 258 are recorded in the very ancient record called the Depositio Martyrum. Early legends say that St. Lawrence, born about 225, was from Spain and that he received religious instruction in Rome. When St. Sixtus became Bishop of Rome and Pope in 257, St. Lawrence was ordained a deacon and placed in charge of administering Church goods and care of the poor. Pope Sixtus was martyred a few days before St. Lawrence, during the persecution of the Emperor Valerian. As a deacon, St. Lawrence was known for his generosity and care for the poor.
Let us pray. “Lord our God, St. Lawrence, your deacon and martyr, who was subjected to the most bitter torments, did not lose his faith nor his readiness to testify to your Son, Jesus Christ. By your grace, allow him to intercede for us, so that we might have an active and never be ashamed to be true followers of Jesus. Make us fervent in word and in deed and continue to shower us with your abundant grace, through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.”
