From: rich <
richarra@gmail.com>
August 10: Saint Lawrence of Rome
(225-258)
Saint Lawrence of Rome was arch-deacon, distributor of alms, and =E2=80=9CKeeper of the Treasures of the Church=E2=80=9D during a time when Christianity was outlawed. Saint Lawrence was martyred for his faith
after refusing to give the Roman authorities the material wealth of
the Church. Instead, when they demanded it, Saint Lawrence produced
the crippled, blind, sick, and indigent of Rome, proclaiming them the =E2=80=9Ctrue treasures of the Church.=E2=80=9D
Little is known about the life of Saint Lawrence, with the exception
that he was born in Spain and later moved to Rome, earning the respect
of the Pope and elevated to the position of Arch-Deacon. The
inspiration of Saint Lawrence comes in the final days of his life, and
the courageous acts of his death.
Saint Laurence was chief of the seven Roman deacons of Pope Sixtus II.
In 258, Emperor Valerian increased his persecutions of the Christians.
One day when Pope Sixtus II was in the cemetery of Saint Calistus
celebrating Mass accompanied by some members of his clergy, he was
arrested. Along with him, the other six Roman deacons were arrested.
As the soldiers took the Pontiff to be put to death, Laurence followed
him in anguish crying out: =E2=80=9CWhere are you going, my father, without your son? Where are you going, Holy Pontiff, without your deacon?
Isn't it the custom to offer the sacrifice with an assistant? Let m=
e
prove I am worthy of the choice you made when you entrusted me with
the distribution of the Blood of Our Lord.=E2=80=9D
The Pope replied to Saint Lawrence: =E2=80=9CI am not leaving you, my son.
They are lenient on old men, not the youth. A greater combat is
reserved for you. You will follow me in three days.=E2=80=9D With the
Pontiff's execution, Lawrence was the highest ranking church author=
ity
left in Rome.
Saint Lawrence was brought before Cornelius Secularis, prefect of Rome
under the Emperor Valerian, who, according to Dom Prosper Gu=C3=A9ranger in
his Liturgical Year: "aimed at ruining the Christians by prohibiting
their assemblies, putting their chief men to death, and confiscating
their property." Saint Lawrence asked for a short delay, so he could
gather these riches for the prefect, and true to the promise of Pope
Sixtus, returned three days after the pontiff's death to hand them
over. However, heeding Pope Sixtus II's final words, Lawrence used =
his
three days to distribute the material wealth of the Church to the
poor, before the Roman authorities could lay their hands on it.
When the archdeacon returned, instead of bringing vessels of gold and
silver, he brought the poor of the city, saying, =E2=80=9CBehold, these cho= ice
pearls, these sparkling gems that adorn the temple, these sacred
virgins, I mean, and these widows who refuse second marriage....
Behold then, all our riches." In response to his boldness, Cornelius
ordered the scourging and torture of Saint Lawrence upon the rack.
Saint Lawrence is remembered for his recognition of the true treasures
of the Church--the Body of Christ alive in the world. Not limited by
the literal, Lawrence used his opportunity to witness to the world the
mission of the Church on earth, the communion of her members, and the importance and sanctity of every life to Christ. Through his acts, we
are reminded of those who we might forget--the sick, indigent,
crippled, lame--those on the fringes of society--and see them for what
they are: the beloved of Christ. What have we done lately, in our own
acts, to welcome them into our lives, our communities, our Church?
Father, You called Saint Lawrence to serve you by love
and crowned his life with glorious martyrdom.
Help us to be like him in loving you and doing
your work. Grant this through our Lord Jesus
Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with
You and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and
ever. Amen.
Bible Quote:
Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you
may know how you ought to answer every one. Colossians 4:6 RSVCE
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Hymn: Deus, tuorum militum
O God, of those that fought Thy fight,
Portion, and prize, and crown of light,
Break every bond of sin and shame
As now we praise Thy Martyr's name.
He recked not of the world's allure,
But sin and pomp of sin forswore:
Knew all their gall, and passed them by,
And reached the throne prepared on high.
Bravely the course of pain he ran,
And bare his torments as a man:
For love of Thee his blood outpoured,
And thus obtained the great reward.
With humble voice and suppliant word
We pray Thee therefore, holy Lord,
While we thy Martyr's feast-day keep,
Forgive Thy loved and erring sheep.
All honor, laud, and glory be,
O Jesu, Virgin-born, to Thee,
All glory, as is ever meet,
To Father and to Paraclete. Amen
--- NewsGate v1.0 gamma 2
* Origin: News Gate @ Net396 -Huntsville, AL - USA (1:396/4)