Saint Lawrence , Deacon, Martyr
Feast
2 Corinthians 9:6-10
Psalm 111(112):1-2,5-9
John 12:24-26
PERSECUTED FOR THE SAKE OF CHRIST
In today’s gospel passage, Jesus employs the metaphor of a seed appearing to die in the ground before blossoming anew as a symbol of His impending redemptive work—anticipating both the Cross and His resurrection: "When I am lifted from the earth, I shall draw all men to myself.” The sacrifice of the Son of Man signifies a transformative moment that will alter God’s relationship not only with the ancient people of Israel but with all of humanity. The letter to the Hebrews affirms that Jesus has become the source of eternal salvation for all who obey God.
We should always hold gratitude to God for the gift of His Son, who sacrificed Himself on Calvary’s Cross. Through His life, He established a new and everlasting covenant, sealed with His blood. He is the wheat of God—the seed that has died, risen, and in doing so, changed the world and transformed us in the process.
Today, the Church honors St. Lawrence, one of the seven deacons of Rome and a revered martyr. His perspective was guided by faith rather than worldly views. When he was found to be the treasurer of the Church, the Romans demanded that he surrender the treasury within three days. In an act of profound faith and compassion, he later presented the poor and the needy as the true treasures of the Church. He endured the ordeal of being roasted alive on a grill, even requesting to be turned over so that he might serve as a witness for Christ, as he was already bound and burnt from behind.
May Christ, who offers eternal prayers to the Father, embrace those who suffer, inspire and encourage those who serve with joy, and lead the living and departed members of the Church towards the heavenly goal that is the hope of all mankind. Amen.
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