Saint of the day · August 10
St Lawrence, Deacon and Martyr
FeastLiturgical colour : Red
Saint Lawrence (Laurent in French) is one of the Church’s most venerated early martyrs, remembered for his unwavering faith and charity during the fierce persecution of Christians in Rome under Emperor Valerian in the third century. As a deacon of the Roman Church, Lawrence was entrusted with the care of the Church’s goods and, most importantly, with the responsibility for the poor. When the Roman authorities demanded that Lawrence surrender the Church’s treasures, he famously presented the poor and needy, declaring them to be the true treasures of the Church—a gesture that has inspired countless Christians throughout history.
Lawrence’s subsequent martyrdom, reportedly by being burned on a gridiron, became a powerful symbol of courage and faith. Reliable historical details are few, and later legends may have embellished aspects of his death, but the essential witness of his life—his dedication to the Gospel and to the least of Christ’s brethren—continues to resound. The Church sees in Lawrence a model of joyful service and radical charity, choosing to keep his feast as a mark of the deep respect and love Christians have held for him since the earliest centuries.
On 10 August, the Church prays for strength to imitate Lawrence’s fidelity under persecution and to be faithful stewards of God’s gifts. His example reminds all Christians that authentic love of God is inseparable from love of the poor, and that Christian witness sometimes calls for great sacrifice.
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Mass readings
“God loves a cheerful giver” — 2 Co 9, 6-10
Brothers and sisters,
remember the proverb:
Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly;
whoever sows generously will also reap generously.
Each of you must give as you have decided in your heart,
not reluctantly or under compulsion,
because God loves a cheerful giver.
And God is powerful enough
to give you every blessing in abundance,
so that in all things at all times,
you will have all that you need,
and even abundance
for every good work.
Scripture says of the righteous person:
He shares freely, he gives to the poor;
his righteousness endures forever.
God, who supplies seed to the sower
and bread for food,
will also supply you seed;
he will multiply it,
he will cause it to grow
in what you accomplish in righteousness.
– The word of the Lord.
Ps 111 (112), 1-2, 5-6, 7-8, 4b.9
Blessed is the one who fears the Lord,
who loves his will completely!
His descendants will be mighty on the earth;
the generation of the upright is blessed.
The good person shows pity and shares;
he conducts his affairs with integrity.
This person will never fall;
the righteous will always be remembered.
He does not fear bad news;
with a steadfast heart, he trusts in the Lord.
His heart is confident; he does not fear;
he will see what comes of his oppressors.
A man of righteousness, of tenderness, and of compassion.
With open hands, he gives to the poor;
his justice will endure forever,
his power will increase, and his glory!
“If anyone serves me, my Father will honor him” — Jn 12, 24-26
At that time,
Jesus said to his disciples:
“Amen, amen, I say to you:
unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies,
it remains alone;
but if it dies,
it bears much fruit.
Whoever loves his life
will lose it;
whoever detaches himself from it in this world
will keep it for eternal life.
If anyone wants to serve me,
let him follow me;
and where I am,
there will my servant be also.
If anyone serves me,
my Father will honor him.”
– Let us acclaim the word of God.
Liturgical texts: © AELF — aelf.org