During the persecution of Christians under the Roman emperor Valerian in the year 258, Roman officials ordered Lawrence, a deacon, to bring them the treasures of the Church. Lawrence obediently spent the next three days gathering together the poor people who were supported by the Church. When he presented these poor people to the prefect, explaining that they were the true treasures of the Church, the prefect was not amused by the irony. He had Lawrence slowly burned to death over a great gridiron. During this torture, Lawrence made the famous reply that he was done on that side and could be turned over. After having prayed for the conversion of the city of Rome in order that the Christian faith might spread throughout the world, Lawrence died. The example of his life and death made a great impact on the people of Rome, and many became followers of Christ. Lord, show us how to love and serve the poor like Saint Lawrence.
(Adapted from “Saints: Becoming and Image of Christ Every Day of the Year,” by Dawn Beutner)
Catholic Jonesboro 