Feast of St. Lawrence

“Each must do as already determined, without sadness or compulsion” (2 Cor. 9:7). Today we celebrate the feast of a man who championed the dignity of the poor, whom he considered the treasures of the Church. Stripped naked before his tormentors, Lawrence embodied the helpless vulnerability of the poor. Having nothing, the dying deacon clung tenaciously to the naked Christ, who clothed him in a robe of glory. Mingled with the smoke from the gridiron, Lawrence’s prayer ascended to the heavens like incense and he offered his very body to God as a sacrifice of praise.

As monks, we are called to offer a sacrifice of praise out of our poverty. “Silver and gold, I do not have, but what I do have, I give you” (Acts 3:6). It is out of our neediness that we can manifest the wealth of God’s mercy. From the depths of our hearts will flow springs of living water to slake the thirst of the poor. Compassion costs nothing, but it demands all that we are. As Lawrence’s body was cast into the fire, we must be willing to be consumed by the fire of divine love. In the light of that flame, a world trapped in darkness will find the light of hope. The fullness of God’s loving compassion will be made known as we pour ourselves out in the service of others. The poor will experience the touch of God’s love through our outstretched hands. Following the example of Him who came to serve and not be served, we must serve the poor and not take advantage of them because they are the treasure of the Church.

 

“How beautiful it would be if the poor could occupy in our hearts the place they have in the heart of God! Standing with the poor, serving the poor, we see things as Jesus does; we see what remains and what passes away” (Pope Francis).