Monday of the Nineteenth Week in Ordinary Time

August 10, 2020

Deacon Anthony J. Cincotta

Assistant Director for Retreat Ministry

 

Memorial Feast:  Saint Lawrence, Deacon and Martyr (225-+258) – Patron Saint of the Poor and of Cooks

Second Letter of Saint Paul to the Corinthians 9:6-10

Psalm 112

John 12:24-26

 

Today is the memorial feast of Saint Lawrence, who was martyred in the early third century.  He is remembered for his care for the poor, and once characterized as the “Treasure of the Church,” as well as for his courage and faithfulness, even unto death.  Acts of kindness and courage are an important part of the Christian tradition handed down from generation to generation. 

It has been said that the blood of the martyrs is the seed of faith.  Deacon Lawrence’s martyrdom surely gave courage and a renewal of faith to an early community of Christians under the persecution of the Roman Empire.  We all know that our spirits are lifted up when we are inspired by the heroic dedication of a friend or loved one.  Additionally, we can sense a hunger on the part of all of us, especially our young, to find heroes, role models, and mentors.   We are moved by people who witness an authentic life of faith.  Incidentally, the word “martyr” in Greek means “witness.” 

Today Saint Paul gives us excellent advice.   He tells us don’t try to be fully alive “sparingly.”   Also, don’t try to have a great harvest by sowing just a little here and there.  We can all make an “inward decision” to simply “let go,” to be a servant in all we are and do.  We can let the Spirit of Jesus within us be free to inform, reform, and transform our lives.  We can start with the people nearest to us. 

Question of the Day:  How will the Spirit in your heart inspire others to be witnesses of the Holy Gospel of Jesus?

Prayer:  “God, by his ardent love for You Saint Lawrence exhibited faithful service and attained a glorious martyrdom.  Help us to love what he loved and practice what he taught.  Amen.  (Lives of the Saints, Illustrated.)

Please continue to pray for the victims of the Coronavirus and for all who are affected by this unprecedented pandemic as well as for peace in our country and in our world.

Prosit