HOMILY OF THURSDAY IN THE 18TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR A
Saint Laurence, Deacon, Martyr – Feast
Saint Laurence was a revered Deacon and Martyr whose feast is celebrated with great reverence. He lived during the 3rd century and served as one of the seven deacons of Rome. Known for his compassion and charity, he distributed alms to the poor. In 258 AD, he faced martyrdom, enduring a brutal death by being roasted on a gridiron. His feast honors his selflessness and steadfast faith.
2 Corinthians 9:6-10, John 12:24-26
THEME: OUR BEST GIFT TO GOD
The best gift we can give is the gift of ourselves in the service of others. Though we are called to give cheerfully, we shall reap the measure we sow. And it takes only God to know exactly why we give, because he is the only one who knows our intentions. However, we cannot give more than ourselves.
“Anyone who loves his life loses it; anyone who hates his life in this world will keep it for the eternal life. If a man serves me, he must follow me, wherever I am, my servant will be there too. If anyone serves me, my Father will honour him.”
Dear one, lest submit ourselves to God, so that he will determine the rhythm of our lives. St Laurence life was a life of total surrender. Though we may not suffer martyrdom like him, we can simply give God the chance to lead us all the way.
May our service in this world not be in vain, but to God’s greater glory. Amen.
