18th Week in Ordinary Time: Saturday 10th August 2019

St Lawrence was one of seven deacons of the city of Rome who were martyred for their faith. He was martyred in 238 under the emperor Valerian, along with or just a few days after Pope Sixtus II, (Feast day August 7th) whom he served as deacon. Lawrence was only 32 years of age when he gave his life for Christ. He was killed in a particularly savage way, but maintained a good rapport with his executioners.

In Church history we sometimes speak of the era of the martyrs, but in fact all ages are an age of martyrs, nowadays usually killed by terrorists. Anyone who is killed out of hatred for the Catholic faith is a martyr. In the Bible, the word we translate as “martyr” essentially means “witness”. Generally, but not necessarily witness by death: The quality and extensiveness of one’s Christian love can lead one to being recognized as a martyr. Apart from his martyrdom by death, Lawrence manifested a love for the poor.

Father in Heaven You called St Lawrence to serve you by love and crowned his life with glorious martyrdom. Help us to be like him by loving You and doing Your work.