Christian joy is invincible. St. Lawrence proves it. He was a deacon in Rome in 258 AD. Emperor Valerian demanded that Lawrence hand over all the "treasures of the Church" (gold, silver, cups).
The Real Treasure
Lawrence asked for three days to gather them. He went into the city and rounded up the poor, the lame, the blind, and the lepers. He brought them to the Emperor and said:
"Here are the treasures of the Church."
The Emperor was not amused.
The Gridiron
He ordered Lawrence to be executed slowly. They stripped him and tied him to a large metal grate (gridiron) over a fire. After suffering for a long time, Lawrence looked at his executioner and famously said:
"Turn me over. I'm done on this side."
He died shortly after, praying for the conversion of Rome. And it worked. Within 50 years, Rome was Christian.
Joy confuses the devil. Laugh in the face of suffering. Read more martyr stories on the MyPrayerTower app.
A Prayer for Grace
As you reflect on these spiritual truths, we invite you to join us in this prayer:
"Lord Jesus, we thank You for the wisdom of the Church and the witness of the saints. Grant us the grace to live out our faith with joy and perseverance. May our prayers be a sweet incense rising to Your throne, and may Your peace, which surpasses all understanding, guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Amen."
Deepen Your Spiritual Journey
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May God bless you and keep you always in His grace.