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Good pilgrims, today we return to visit St Lawrence. He has become a dear friend and he has a few parting words to share with us.
Lawrence of Rome by Stefano Galletti, 1865,
Basilica of Saint Lawrence outside the WallsLawrence of Rome by Stefano Galletti, 1865,
In this Mass of Wednesday at the tomb of St. Lawrence, the Introit is taken from the Old Latin version of the Gospel of the first Monday of Lent, “Come, ye blessed of my Father, receive ye the kingdom, alleluia, which was prepared for you from the beginning of the world, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.” These words are spoken by Christ in Matthew 25 to those who practice the corporal works of mercy, doing to Him whatever they do to even the least of His brethren. This was indeed the work of St. Lawrence, who was placed in charge of the Roman church’s charitable funds by Pope St. Sixtus II in the mid-3rd century. When ordered to hand over to the Romans the riches of the Church, Lawrence distributed everything at his disposal to the poor, whom he then brought to the house of the city prefect, saying, “These are the riches of the Church.”
Acts 7:55-56; Romans 8:34; Ephesians 1:20, Colossians3:1.PASCHALCAzT 2017 50 Easter Wednesday [ 4:59 ]
St. Lawrence Distributing Alms - Detail - by Fra Angelico
Capella Niccolina, Vatican City (1447-9)St. Lawrence Distributing Alms - Detail - by Fra Angelico
Today's Gospel brings us the story of the road to Emmaus. Like the two disciples on the way to Emmaus, we have become the Table-guests of Christ, and we know Him, in the breaking of the Bread; our blind eyes are opened, our hearts begin to burn within us, and our souls are filled with that same paschal peace and joy that sent these two disciples running back to Jerusalem from Emmaus on that first blessed Easter evening.
Supper at Emmaus by Caravaggio
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File%3ACaravaggioEmmaus.jpg Supper at Emmaus by Caravaggio
Traditionally, during the Octave of Easter, servile work was forbidden, because this week was one continual feast in the eyes of the Church. Every day the newly baptized attended Mass at a Stational Church, receiving Holy Communion, and in the evening they went to St. John Lateran for the office of Vespers. They were spiritually feasting on the very Word of God. This station was chosen for them today so that they might learn from the example of St Lawrence, such a brave and generous servant of Christ, how courageous they should be in confessing their faith, and how faithful in living up to their baptismal vows.
Our dear St Lawrence has some words of farewell for them and for us:
My dear friends, all these things you have heard about our Lord Jesus are true. Our Precious Lord died, but then He rose again in glory - glory that had been His with the Father before the world was made. Through obedience unto death, God has exalted Him and has given Him a Name which is above every name, that at the Name of Jesus every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus is the Lord to the glory of the Father. He is seated at the right hand of the Father, making intercession for us. Receive this Lord of Glory, and allow His joy to fill your hearts. In suffering He comforts us, in need He pleads for us, in desire He comes to us. Remember our dignity, for we are bought with a great price; remember our frailty, to succor those in need. As we gather to the altar where the Precious Blood of Calvary continues to flow, let us offer to God adoration, and gratitude, for we have been given the grace to repent, our repentance is accepted; and every other grace we ask through the merits of our Risen Savior will certainly be ours.
Farewell, my dear friends. I have very much enjoyed meeting with you at my Stations. May the love of God be with you always.
Come visit me in Rome. You are always welcome!
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