ALL MINE TO GIVE TO THE LORD

 

ALL MINE TO GIVE TO THE LORD

Jesus teaches about true life in today’s Gospel. Life on earth is part of the bigger life, which includes life eternal. It is in this context that we must understand His teaching about losing one’s life when you love it and finding it when you hate it. The analogy of the grain of wheat, which has to die in order to be planted and bear fruit, makes it clear.

The lives of Saint Lawrence—whose memorial we celebrate today—and of all the martyrs, are perfect examples of this truth. There will come a time when we will be asked to tender our lives for the sake of our faith. Are we willing to do so? Saint Lawrence went through this test and passed it.

Saint Lawrence’s task was to take care of the material goods of the Church. He was responsible for the social services of the Church. The Prefect of Rome, thinking the Church was rich, commanded Saint Lawrence to turn over the Church’s riches to Rome. Saint Lawrence promised he would bring the riches of the Church to him. He gathered the poor, deaf, blind, lame, lepers, and every needy person around and brought them before the Prefect, saying they are the riches of the Church. Insulted by his action, he was arrested and sentenced to death by being grilled alive. At one point, he even asked the guard to turn him over because one side was already well done.

For Saint Lawrence and many other martyrs, death is not the end of life. After Jesus’ death, Christianity flourished. It did not die with Him. His resurrection further established it in the world.

Of course, we are afraid of death. The mere thought of it weakens and melts the brave. But for Christians, it is part of living and of being faithful to God. Not all will be given that “grace” to offer one’s life for the faith and for the love of the Lord. But hopefully, when we are given the chance, we will seize it joyfully like Saint Lawrence. Fr. Benny Tuazon

----------- REFLECTION QUESTIONS ----------

How do you see death? Can you imagine yourself dying anytime soon? What feelings does it evoke in you?

I fear my own death, Lord, but thinking of what’s beyond—a full life with You—vanishes all my fears. Amen.

Today, I pray for: _____________________________