Word to the Wise
Saturday, August 10, 2024 - Aug. 10 - St. Lawrence, deacon and martyr
[2 Cor 9:6-10 and John 12:24-26]Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each must do as already determined, without sadness or compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. [2 Corinthians] "Amen, amen, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat; but if it dies, it produces much fruit." [John]
The gospel is a constant challenge to "give!" This isn't just a matter of time, treasure and talent. It is also an attitude of generosity, a "letting go" of oneself in service to others. And yes, it is possible to become a kind of martyr to generosity, although that is not what the gospel demands. St. Polycarp, an early disciple of St. John the apostle, once warned Christians about overeagerness for martyrdom!
St. Lawrence, whose feast we celebrate today, is noted for responding to a Roman tribunal that demanded all the Church's "treasure" by gathering other Christians around him and calling them the real treasure of the Church! He is also noted for quipping, as he was being roasted alive on a grill, "Turn me over, I'm done on this side!" But "martyrdom" of any kind is not a laughing matter. It has an ultimate character.
St. Paul, in 2 Corinthians today, was fundraising for aid to the Macedonian Christian community. Jesus seems to be referring to what would be his own "ultimate" sacrifice. Both Jesus and St. Paul would be making that sacrifice. St. Lawrence did, too! What does the gospel challenge to ultimate generosity mean to each of us as well as to the community of faith? It's something to think about, and act on!! AMEN