I've been on a Summer Blog Vacation, but I'm still writing!
Here's one from earlier in August (2013). Enjoy!
Reflection on Readings – August 10, 2013
(Feast of St. Lawrence, Deacon and Martyr) 2 Corinthians 9: 6-10; Ps. 112: 1-2, 5-6, 7-8, 9; John 12: 24-26
Turn Me Over!
One of my favorite martyr quotes has to be from St. Thomas Moore, who reassured his executioner not to worry, for as he said, “you are sending me to God”. Another is from St. Lawrence, Deacon and martyr, the focus of today’s Feast Day Mass. In fact, in my years of working in Youth Ministry, this quote is hands down, the coolest quote uttered by any martyr. St. Lawrence was put to death with Pope Sixtus II, and three other deacons during the reign of Emperor Valerian from 253-260. St. Lawrence was a faithful follower of his teacher, Pope Sixtus II, and wished to follow him, and remain with him. So they were all sentenced to death, and tradition tells us that St. Lawrence was placed over a flame, on a red hot gridiron! After a few minutes, he jested with his executioners and the cruel tyrant saying, "Now you may turn me over, my body is roasted enough on this side." I used to love to share that story with young people, especially when it was their first time hearing it. Whether it was the expression on their face, or that look of awe when they connected just how brave it was to have the courage to shout such a thing to one’s torturer as they laid down their life for the Lord! Whether you heard this story way back when from your “cool” youth minister, or you’re hearing it here this morning for the first time, you can’t deny that this kind of courage, in the face of persecution is more than just admirable, it’s downright awesome. So you’ll understand my disappointment when I read in one of our “Homily Helper” books, that historians believe that Pope Sixtus II and his deacons were beheaded. I’m sticking with tradition on this one… It’s a lot cooler!
I am humbled to stand before you here this morning, as we embark on the last leg of a journey that will lead us into a future that is not our own, a future that will most certainly call on us to respond with the same kind of courage, especially in the face of the many challenges the world has in store for us. My friends, on this the Feast of St. Lawrence, I want to reflect on our future, and our readiness to cry out those words, “Turn me over”, but not just in the courageous way uttered by St. Lawrence, but also in the form of a prayer, as we seek God’s continued blessing for the courage to TURN OVER our lives to Him, His Church, and His servant, our own Bishop Robert Baker.
In today’s first reading, St. Paul urges the Corinthians to contribute to the needs of the Church, as he calls on all of us to share ourselves as the farmer sows his seed, and reaps abundantly, or the good worker shares his bread to be food for others. St. Lawrence’s mission as Pope Sixtus’ Archdeacon was certainly to serve the altar, ensuring that the liturgical table was ready for celebration, but he also loved the poor, seeking to serve them, ensuring that their table was ready to satisfy the needs of their families. So let us turn over our lives, focusing on the needs of the Church, the people of God, and the poor among us, for as the Psalmist sings, “Blessed is the man who is gracious and lends to those in need.” Let us take courage and accept the Apostle Paul’s challenge, to sow the seeds of love and reap the harvest of righteousness!
I like putting things into perspective, seeing the bigger picture of where we’ve been, and where we’re headed. This past week, the 18th week of Ordinary Time, has been full of extraordinary direction for us as disciples of Christ, on this, the last leg of our journey. Last Sunday, we heard of the rich man’s realization that he can’t take it with him… The riches that we store here on earth should be used to serve the Lord, and used to the fullest. Today my friends we are rich! We have accumulated some varying degrees of wealth, time, and many comforts. Tomorrow we need to aim to be poor, giving it our all, by giving it all away! This past Tuesday was the Feast of the Transfiguration, and we saw an even bigger picture. Our place is with the Lord, and He is with Word and the promise of Moses, fulfilling God’s promise in all that Elijah and the prophets taught us. So let us turn over our lives to this dazzling bright future as we venture ahead from mountain tops, to the many valleys below. The light of Christ is truly with us! On that evening as he approached his death, St. Lawrence said, "My God I honor and Him alone I serve. Therefore I do not fear your torments; this night shall become as brightest day and as light without any darkness."
Finally my friends, it must be stressed that while the phrase “turning over your life” is often used as a nice analogy for making a serious commitment, today’s Feast of St. Lawrence should remind us that as future Deacons, our lives are about to truly be not our own. Christ says in today’s Gospel that, “unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat; but if it dies, it produces much fruit. Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will preserve it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there also will my servant be. The Father will honor whoever serves me.” Let there be no doubt that we are be called to serve our God, His Church, and our Bishop. We will also be called to have courage in our sharing of the Gospel in the face of possible persecution, and yes, maybe even death. But be reassured, for when you turn over your life, you too, with God’s grace, can live the example of St. Lawrence, and be able to say as he did at the end of this great journey that we all now share, "At last I am finished; you may now take from me and eat… I thank You, O Lord, that I am permitted to enter Your portals."
No comments:
Post a Comment