Thursday August 10, 2017
Lawrence was a deacon who cared for widows, orphans, slaves, and the poorest of the Jerusalem church, which was the poorest of the churches. He gave bountifully and was good news to the least of the people, the children of God in need, and he gave everything, including his life so that they might have life abundantly both physically and spiritually. Lawrence became the grain of wheat, dying after serving his Lord. And all the people knew that where Lawrence the servant of God was, truly God was there with them too. And we are told that the Father honors him forever now. Are we deacons, servants of the Lord, caring for the least of our brothers and sisters, and loving our lives but losing it for the sake of others? Do we do anything that would cause the Father to honor us?
Alternative
The problem for the grain of wheat that dies is that it cannot see the plant or the fruit that will result later. Death must happen first. Life emerges later, and the fruit still later. Hence, what the grain of wheat needs is complete trust in the resurrectional potential it carries within, a firm belief that its death will not go to waste, but will lead to life and fruit. Does the grain dare?
It is here we have the promise of Christ. He has walked before us, given himself up to death, and risen again offering much life and fruit to the world. And he assures us: “You follow me. Where I am, you also will be.” These words would suffice for us. We shall cheerfully give ourselves into his hands, for God loves a giver who gives cheerfully and without reserve.
