Saint Lawrence Martyr (d.258)
for August 10
Saint Lawrence was a deacon martyred at Rome around the year 250. One tradition tells us that, during a time of persecution, Roman authorities demanded that Lawrence give up the Church's treasures to the emperor: Lawrence replied that he would need three days to collect them. During that time, Lawrence gathered together the poor and the sick of Rome, and presented them to the authorities, calling them the treasures of the Church. Lawrence died a martyr; the authorities put him to death by slowly roasting him over a fire. (Taken from "The Church: Christ in the World Today.")
Read more about Saint Lawrence Martyr (d.258)
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Reflection
Saint Lawrence shows us that saints can be serious, funny, tactful and compassionate. When Lawrence gathered the poor and presented them to the authorities, he was confronting their greed and teaching them about Christianity's dedication to selflessly loving the poor. Saint Lawrence's stunt was likely one of the causes of his eventual martyrdom. Even as he died, Saint Lawrence maintained his dedication to Jesus, his joy from his Christian faith, and his unparalleled sense of humor. Tradition holds that, as he was being burned to death, Saint Lawrence shouted to his executioners, "Turn me over, I'm done on this side." In addition to his courage and fortitude, Saint Lawrence reminds us that the Christian life, no matter how hard and sad, is one filled with joy and humor.
Prayer
Dear Jesus, help me to appreciate humor and see it as an indication of your celebration of creation. Help me to appreciate little joys even when life is hard.
