Readings for the Day:
Original Manuscript:
Today’s words in John speak to the martyrdom of Laurence. While a deacon in the 3rd Century, he was ordered to hand over to the Roman Prefect all the treasures of the church. When he came back 3 days later, he presented the poor and the sick, claiming that “These are the treasures of the church.” He also claimed that these treasures made the church richer than even the Emperor. For this reason, he became a martyr of the church.
While we shouldn’t actively seek martyrdom, we should not shun it either. Perhaps in moments like these we can be that grain of wheat Jesus speaks to, falling to the earth to bear much fruit. This is one possible opportunity for us to deliver the truths of the Gospel. In this way too, we can show what really matters is not our life here, not our riches on this earth, but our faithfulness and loyalty to the One True God.