Saint Lawrence, deacon and martyr - Feast

Second Letter to the Corinthians

Brothers and sisters, whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.
Each must do as already determined, without sadness or compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
Moreover, God is able to make every grace abundant for you, so that in all things, always having all you need, you may have an abundance for every good work.
As it is written: "He scatters abroad, he gives to the poor; his righteousness endures forever."
The one who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed and increase the harvest of your righteousness.

Psalms

Blessed the man who fears the LORD,
who greatly delights in his commands.
His posterity shall be mighty upon the earth;
the upright generation shall be blessed.
Well for the man who is gracious and lends,
who conducts his affairs with justice;
He shall never be moved;
the just one shall be in everlasting remembrance.
An evil report he shall not fear;
His heart is firm, trusting in the LORD.
His heart is steadfast; he shall not fear
till he looks down upon his foes
Lavishly he gives to the poor,
his justice shall endure forever;
his horn shall be exalted in glory.

Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint John

Jesus said to his disciples: “Amen, amen, I say to you, 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."

St. Lawrence(Deacon and Martyr († 258))

SAINT LAWRENCE Deacon and Martyr(258)Feast St. Lawrence was the lead among seven deacons of the Roman Church. In 258, he witnessed Pope Sixtus being led to martyrdom. The event surely impacted his outlook. "I was your ministerwhen you consecrated the blood of our Lord; your sacrifices will never be in vain." The holy Pope comforted him with the words, "Do not be afraid, my son." The prefect of the city knew the rich offerings that Christians put into the hands of the clergy, and he demanded the treasures of the Roman Church from Lawrence. The Saint promised, at the end of three days, to show him riches exceeding all the wealth of the empire; and set about collecting the poor, the infirm, and the religious who lived by the alms of the faithful. He then bade the prefect "see the treasures of the Church". Christ, whom Lawrence had served in the poor, gave him strength in the conflict which ensued. Roasted over a slow fire, he made sport of his pains. "I am done enough," he said, "eat, if you will." At length Christ, the Father of the poor, received him into Paradise. God's glory shone about St. Lawrence, illuminating the value set upon His love for the poor. Innumerable prayers were granted at St. Lawrence's tomb; and he continues his charity towards us from heaven. As St. Augustine says, Lawrence granted "the smaller graces which they sought, and leading them to the desire of better gifts."

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Category: Mass by Year / Catholic Missal 2023 / Catholic Missal of august 2023