Daily Retreat 08/10/06
2006 Aug 10 Thu: Lawrence, d, mt F
2 Cor 9: 6-10/ Ps 111(112): 1-2. 5-6. 7-8. 9/ Jn 12: 24-26
From today’s readings: “Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.... Blessed the man who is gracious and lends to those in need.”
St. Lawrence
Over the centuries, the city of Rome has been sanctified by the blood of many martyrs, and countless other saints have spent time there as well. So, it speaks volumes that, among all those saints, a particular devotion to St. Lawrence is still quite evident even among the citizens of that city today.
Lawrence was martyred in 258 AD, and reliable historical records prove that he was actually put to death on this very day, the 10th of August. One of his primary duties as a deacon was to care for the poor and oversee the distribution of alms. The first reading and psalm remind us of how zealous Lawrence was in this regard: “He scatters abroad, he gives to the poor; his righteousness endures forever!” “Lavishly he gives to the poor, his generosity shall endure forever; his horn shall be exalted in glory!” Such a personal commitment to charitable works is an essential component of the Christian faith, and we all need inspirational examples like Lawrence to prod us to greater giving of ourselves....
For not only did Lawrence generously exercise his care of the poor, he also literally gave himself in his martyr’s witness to his unshakeable faith. Sentenced to be roasted alive on a giant gridiron, midway through his tortures, he reportedly quipped to his executioners, “You can turn me over now - I’m done on that side!” Such humor, especially in the midst of torments, demonstrated the saint’s confidence that his dying to self would bear much fruit, for his own suffering was united to the redemptive sufferings of Christ, thereby securing his share in the Savior’s promise, “Whoever serves Me must follow Me, and where I am, there also will My servant be. The Father will honor whoever serves Me.”
2 Cor 9: 6-10/ Ps 111(112): 1-2. 5-6. 7-8. 9/ Jn 12: 24-26
From today’s readings: “Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.... Blessed the man who is gracious and lends to those in need.”
St. Lawrence
Over the centuries, the city of Rome has been sanctified by the blood of many martyrs, and countless other saints have spent time there as well. So, it speaks volumes that, among all those saints, a particular devotion to St. Lawrence is still quite evident even among the citizens of that city today.
Lawrence was martyred in 258 AD, and reliable historical records prove that he was actually put to death on this very day, the 10th of August. One of his primary duties as a deacon was to care for the poor and oversee the distribution of alms. The first reading and psalm remind us of how zealous Lawrence was in this regard: “He scatters abroad, he gives to the poor; his righteousness endures forever!” “Lavishly he gives to the poor, his generosity shall endure forever; his horn shall be exalted in glory!” Such a personal commitment to charitable works is an essential component of the Christian faith, and we all need inspirational examples like Lawrence to prod us to greater giving of ourselves....
For not only did Lawrence generously exercise his care of the poor, he also literally gave himself in his martyr’s witness to his unshakeable faith. Sentenced to be roasted alive on a giant gridiron, midway through his tortures, he reportedly quipped to his executioners, “You can turn me over now - I’m done on that side!” Such humor, especially in the midst of torments, demonstrated the saint’s confidence that his dying to self would bear much fruit, for his own suffering was united to the redemptive sufferings of Christ, thereby securing his share in the Savior’s promise, “Whoever serves Me must follow Me, and where I am, there also will My servant be. The Father will honor whoever serves Me.”
posted by FrPitstick | 8/08/2006
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