August 10, Friday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time-B ST LAWRENCE, DEACON, MARTYR
2 Corinthians 9:6-10
Psalm 112
John 12:24-26
…whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 2 Cor. 9:6
“Whoever serves me must follow me…” Jn. 12:26
Lord, I am blown away when I read of the heroes who gave up their lives as martyrs rather than deny you. St. Lawrence was a model of service in life and a courageous martyr in death. I could never have the courage to die like he did. I suppose he would be the first to reassure me that his love and dedication to the poor and his rock steady faith in his suffering came from the grace you gave him in abundance. Paul writes that you make “every grace abundant” for me, giving everything I need for “every good work”. So as I go about giving my time, talent and material blessings in your service I should be confident that you will provide all I need exactly when and where I need it. You are so good to me, dear Jesus, as I follow you wherever you lead. I know the cross is ahead and that each day I must die to selfishness, pride and ego. These things can block my “cheerful” giving. Since you gave yourself totally and completely to death so that I may live, I pray for the grace to trust your grace is sufficient always. Amen.