By Canon Philip Gillespie

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On Monday 10 August, the Liturgy keeps the feast of an early Roman martyr named Lawrence.

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Lawrence was a deacon in the church of Rome. Fearing that the Christian Church was becoming too popular and a threat to his position, in 258 AD the Roman Emperor Valerian issued an edict: all bishops, priests and deacons must be put to death. Saint Lawrence, other deacons, and Pope Sixtus II were apprehended. The Pope was killed on 6 August. At first, the emperor offered to spare Lawrence’s life in exchange for his handing over “the treasures of the Church”.

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Continuing the regular charitable and caring work which was part of his ministry, Lawrence speedily distributed any gold or silver in the church reserves to the poor of the city, and three days later, he is said to have presented the emperor with some of the sick, needy and marginalised. These, he said, were the true treasures of the Church. This infuriated the emperor, who decreed that Lawrence should also be killed. Four days later, on 10 August, Lawrence was publicly put to death, burned alive on a gridiron.

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As a deacon, Lawrence was entrusted with the ministry of service and care of others. The danger, of course, is that if a person is given a particular title or role, the rest of us think that we can safely leave that responsibility to them! If we have a deacon, then we don’t need to worry about looking after others: that’s his job.

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The task and privilege of looking to the good of others – extending to each person the gentle and caring love of Christ – is for each one of us and is rooted in the mission given to us through the Sacrament of Baptism and Confirmation. The Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist, Holy Communion, is food for the journey, strengthening us for this task.

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One Latin word which we sometimes use to describe this is ‘caritas’ – love for others and seeking their good. If we think of this using our English word ‘charity’, then it is not merely the giving of money and material resources, but the giving of our time and abilities and care for others.

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At the conclusion of our Mass, we are sent out to share with others the caritas of Christ himself: “Go in peace, glorifying the Lord by your life.”

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If you are fortunate enough to have a deacon serving in your parish, remember to pray for him on 10 August.