Fr Alex Swain

Beloved in Christ, 

Today we remember Saint Laurence, a Deacon who was martyred in Rome around 257 by Emperor Valerian. As recounted in Lesser Feasts and Fasts, his parents were martyred during one of the imperial pogroms. Pope Sixtus II and his deacons were executed just a few days before Saint Laurence. 

According to Ambrose, a tradition states that Laurence became archdeacon and was commanded by the prefect to reveal where the church’s treasurers were. Laurence gathered the poor, the sick, and said, “These are the treasurers of the church.” 

He is someone who deeply cared about those within and without the walls of the church. He sets an example for the ministry of the Deacon as someone who is called to serve, to see, to bear witness to, those who are not within the walls of the church on Sundays. 

Apparently, blessed Laurence also had a good sense of humor, too! 

Tradition states that he was executed by being roasted alive on a gridiron, and while being roasted, he “cheerfully exclaimed, ‘I am done on this side; turn me over!’” 

Our reading from Acts today reminds us of the work of the early church involved not just worship and prayer but fellowship, acting as sources of healing and love in a hurting world. 

Our world is not so much different than that which the Apostles inhabited. 

Our world is not so much different than that which Saint Laurence served in. 

The witness of Laurence invites us to reconsider where we see the treasurers of the church. Where are we called to serve Christ in the people around us? Christ makes clear in Matthew 25 that to serve others is to serve Him. 

May Saint Laurence pray for us, help us to serve those around us, and have a joyful spirit while we go about it! 

Yours in Christ, 

—Alex+