The Feast of St Lawrence

2 Cor. 9:6-10, Jn 12:24-26. St Lawrence was a deacon in Rome during the third century, who spent his diaconal ministry serving the poor. He was martyred by being “roasted” to death over hot fire and coals by Emperor Valerian. When Pope Sixtus II was martyred, the Emperor ordered Lawrence to hand over the wealth of the Church to him. Lawrence asked for two days to collect all the wealth together. On the appointed day, he appeared before the Emperor presenting a mass of lame, blind and poor people, saying: "Here is the wealth of the Church, the true treasures we have in the Church." For such courage to face the Emperor, Lawrence was immediately arrested and put to a slow death by being burnt on gridiron with slow fire to prolong his torture. Today's first reading challenges us to be “cheerful giver.” We are generous to others not because we want God to reward us, but because we have already received so much from God. We should be cheerful givers because we have already received so much from our God. God is always the initiator of graciousness. 

Our act of giving is only a reflection of God’s gracious love upon us. Let us look around and reflect on our life, faith, talents and abilities, so that we may adequately appreciate God. In today's Gospel, Jesus compares the death of a grain of wheat to the lives of His disciples. It is only when a grain of wheat gives up its own life that further grains can grow. So, also it is sometimes necessary for the followers of Jesus to give up part or the totality of ourselves in order that others may blossom from the example of the lives and deaths of these faithful ones. Jesus also equates service of others with a dying to self, just as He Himself performed service, including the ultimate service of His dying on the Cross.

May the Lord grant us courage to overcome every trial and bless us with gifts beyond our expectation and be willing to share with others generously! Amen!! Good morning, it is well with you!!!