Homily Nineteenth Monday in Ordinary Time (Feast of St. Lawrence)
Homily Nineteenth Monday in Ordinary Time (Feast of St. Lawrence)
The story of St. Lawrence is a tale that can make us smile as well as challenge our way of thinking. Lawrence was one of the first post apostolic martyrs. He was a deacon for Pope Sixtus II. He was killed during a persecution by the Emperor Valerian.
Valerian wanted to wipe out the infant church in Rome. He thought if he killed its leadership he would snuff out the life of the church. Deacons were the secular administrators of the church’s goods at its beginnings. Valerian thought that the church must have many treasures.
Legend has it, that Valerian had Lawrence arrested and brought before him. The emperor demanded all the church’s assets. Lawrence said it would take awhile to gather them. The emperor gave him a day to do it.
Lawrence came before the emperor the next day with all the poor people he could find. When the emperor asked where the church’s riches were Lawrence pointed to the poor around him and said, “These are the church’s treasures.” Valerian was furious. Others who looked on were inspired by Lawrence’s idealism.
He was then put to death. The emperor wanted him to suffer greatly so he put him on a griddle to be roasted alive. Lawrence suffered greatly, but before he died he supposedly told his executioners to turn him over so he could be roasted evenly.
Lawrence’s death did not discourage the Christians in Rome, but it caused converts to be raised up. Many people were inspired by his courage and guile.
Reflection Questions:
- Should the church sell it artistic treasures and give them to the poor? Would this be in the spirit of St. Lawrence?
- Lawrence faced his martyrdom with stoic determination and never lost his sense of humor. He would not be cowed. Do I complain too much about the inconveniences that I suffer?
Dear Parishioners,
One of the protocols that we asked to follow in order to stop the spread of COVID 19 is that we are asked to refrain from congregational singing. We all have heard it said, that the one who sings prays twice. It is another sacrifice we make to try to protect each other. Some of the worst outbreaks of the virus have been in choirs and in places where people have sung in groups. We will have to refrain from singing for the good of everyone. We will play music and have solos as we can. Hopefully, we will be singing again by holiday time.
We are continuing the improvements to our campus that have been financed by our TTT campaign. In early September four more stained glass windows will be restored. We are presently digging the footings for our new rectory garage. We are moving ahead in faith. Let’s pray that all goes well.
May Our Lady and all the Angels and Saints watch over you today.
Fr. Mark
P.S. There will not be a posting from Fr. Mark Tuesday. Fr. Mark will be away for the day visiting a friend who lost their spouse.