Today, the Church gives us the beautiful example of Saint Lawrence, Deacon and Martyr.
Who was Saint Lawrence, and what is he known for?
Saint Lawrence was a deacon of the Church of Rome in the third century. He was entrusted with the care of the Church’s goods and, especially, with serving the poor.
During the persecution under the Emperor Valerian, Pope Sixtus II was martyred, and Lawrence was eventually arrested as well.
According to an ancient tradition, Lawrence was ordered to hand over the treasures of the Church. He gathered the poor—the very people he had been serving—and presented them as the true treasure of the Church.
What a beautiful understanding of Christianity!
The treasure of the Church is not simply gold or silver. The treasure of the Church is Christ—and Christ is encountered especially in those who are poor, forgotten, suffering, and in need.
Saint Lawrence understood that everything he had belonged to God. He did not cling to possessions. He gave himself in service, and ultimately, he gave his life for Christ.
That brings us directly to today’s first reading.
Saint Paul tells the Corinthians:
“Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.”
And then comes that beautiful sentence:
“God loves a cheerful giver.”
Notice that Saint Paul doesn’t simply say, God loves a giver. He says, “God loves a cheerful giver.”
Why?
Because God is not interested merely in what comes out of our hands. God is interested in what is happening in our hearts.
I can give and still complain.
I can give and expect something in return.
I can give because I feel pressured.
I can give because I want people to notice me.
But Christian generosity is different. We give because we have first received so much from God.
So today, we might ask ourselves:
Am I a cheerful giver?
Do I serve with joy?
Do I help my family with joy?
Do I give my time and attention to someone who needs to be heard?
Do I give to the poor without making them feel like a burden?
Do I give God my life cheerfully—or do I give Him only what is left over?
Saint Lawrence challenges us because he did not give God his leftovers.
He gave everything.
May we learn from him to recognize Christ in those who are in need, to give generously, and above all, to give with a joyful heart.
Have a wonderful week, and may God bless you
