Reflection for the Feast of St Laurence, Deacon and Martyr (Monday 10 August 2020)




Today the Church celebrates the life of St Laurence the Deacon and Martyr. St Laurence is one of my favourite saints because of they way in which he stood up to power, and the way in which in doing so he showed what rally matters in the economy of God.

The story of St Laurence is that at the time of his martyrdom the Church was suffering persecution. Laurence had been summoned by the Prefect of Rome to present to him the treasures of the Church, of which he had custody. St Laurence dutifully arrived, bearing not beautiful vestments, expensive silverware and books, but accompanied by the poor and need. “These” he said “are the treasures of the Church!”, he is also reported to have said "The Church is truly rich, far richer than your emperor."  Of course those in power do not appreciate being made to look foolish, and he sentenced Laurence to death.

Laurence was imprisoned prior to his martyrdom, and spent the time preaching and baptising those he was imprisoned with. When the time came for his execution, he was placed on a large gridiron. Hot coals were prepared beneath it. After the martyr had suffered pain for a long time, the legend of his martyrdom tells us that he cheerfully declared: "I'm well done on this side. Turn me over!" From this St. Lawrence derives his patronage of cooks, chefs and comedians.

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There are many things we can learn from the lives of the saints, perhaps not to cheek your executors might be one we can take from St Laurence. But humour aside, he shows us what truly are the treasures of the church, not silver and gold, but the people of God. These as I say are the things that truly matter in the economy of God, and it is something we need to remember for ourselves, and to remind the world, in particular the political world around us. It also is a reminder of the old saying ‘I asked Jesus how much he loved me. He opened his arms and on the cross and said ‘this much’”.

-        - St Laurence Deacon and Martyr, pray for us.

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