The Feast of St. Lawrence

 

We sow our lives here on earth by our service to Christ and humanity. 

Reflection on Today’s Readings, the Feast of St. Lawrence, Deacon, Thursday 10th August, 2023
Texts: 2 Corinthians 9:6-10; Psalm 112:1-2,5-9; John 12:24-26 

Today is the feast of St. Lawrence who served as a deacon in Rome. He lived and died for Christ. Following Christ in his life and by his death, he is now with Christ. He left with us the memory that the poor are the treasure of the Church. Today’s readings speak to the memory of him in the church. Hence, the Church calls us, today, to serve Christ in the poor. 

Today’s gospel reading speaks to us about the Spirit of Christ, which is detachment from things of the world. It is not a rejection of the things of the world but not to take them as our life or joy. Our lives should not depend on the things of these world for happiness. What brightens our lives and gives us joy should be our service to Christ and humanity. Hence, today’s Psalm says, “Blessed the man who fears the Lord, who takes great delight in his commandments. ... It goes well for the man who deals generously and lends, who conducts his affairs with justice.” 

He who loves his life loses it

We sow our lives here on earth by our service to Christ and humanity to bear fruits for eternal life. Jesus puts it thus: “He who loves his life loses it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. If any one serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there shall my servant be also; if any one serves me, the Father will honour him.” 

Apostle Paul, in today’s first reading, speaks of charity as a service that is rewarding and pleasing to God. He tells us that the reward of charity follows the principle of justice: Our reward is according to the amount we sow. In his words: “He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.”  

What matters most is not the quantity but the state of the heart

He goes further to remind us that what matters most is not the quantity but the state of the heart. The acceptance of our services is not dependent on quantity but the heart. The heart must be willing and free in giving. In his words: “Each one must do as he has made up his mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” He also assures us of God’s provision beyond our needs, that we may have resources for charity. God does this so that we may increase in righteousness. This shows that God has interest in our growth in righteousness.  

Prayer  

O God, giver of that ardour of love for you by which Saint Lawrence was outstandingly faithful in service and glorious in martyrdom, grant that we may love what he loved and put into practice what he taught. Amen (Collect) 

Fr. Andrew Olowomuke