Only by service comes fruitfulness (Homily for the feast of St. Lawrence (10 August)
Theme: Only by service comes fruitfulness
2 Corinthians 9:6-10; John 12:24-26
Today the Holy Mother church celebrates the feast of St. Lawrence. Lawrence was a leading figure among the seven deacons of Rome. As a deacon, he assisted the Pope in the celebration of Holy Mass, distributed communion to the faithful, administered the church's property and gave alms to the poor. History has it that under the persecution of Valerian, Lawrence was martyred on 10 August 258. While others were beheaded, Lawrence was burnt alive. In honour of St. Lawrence, the church built a basilica otherwise called the basilica of St. Lawrence on the spot he was buried.
In the Gospel of John that we have just heard, Jesus tells us: “Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it does, it bears much fruit. Those who love their life will lose it, and those who hate their life in this world will keep it for eternal life” (Jn 12:24-25). Dearest brothers and sisters in Christ, only by selfless service and sacrifice comes fruitfulness, greatness and abundance. Jesus exemplified this parable of the grain of wheat by his passion and death on the cross. Like a grain of wheat, he fell and died, he was buried in the tomb but on the third day, he rose from the grave in his greatness. Today, we can see how that act of service and sacrifice on the cross done by Jesus birthed Christianity and brought salvation to humanity.
St. Lawrence whom we celebrate today imitated Jesus' life of selfless service and sacrifice. Lawrence in the spirit of service and scrifice died to evil inclinations of selfishness and egoism. He was steadfast in the proper administration of the goods of the church and also in giving alms to the poor. He did not accrue the goods of the church for his personal gain. He lost his life by being burnt alive for the sake of the Gospel.
Friends in Christ, the church invites us through the intercession of St. Lawrence to imitate the life of Jesus. We must be ready to eradicate from ourselves the spirit of egoism and pride and put on the armour of selfless service and sacrifice. We must die to our evil inclinations of greed and selfishness and be transformed into seeds that bring forth abundant harvest. Our actions must be geared towards the well-being of others.
Remember the words of St. Paul to the Corinthians: “He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly and the one who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully” (2Cor 9:6). The Saints sowed with generous hands and now they are reaping a rich harvest in heaven. Besides, Generosity can cover of a multitude of defects.
Let us spend our lives in loving service to God and humanity.
Have a wonderful day!
Fr Remi osj
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