A Very Ordinary Time

I write this column on Wednesdays. Some Wednesdays I have more than one thing to write about, and I have to choose. Occasionally I can’t seem to think of anything. This Wednesday would be one of those. But that’s ok. While every day of life is a gift, not all of those are special. Some times in life, like in the church year, are ordinary time.

But luckily, even during Ordinary Time, there are always saints, and today’s is Lawrence. Lawrence was one of 7 deacons in Rome in the mid 200’s. The story goes that he was in charge of the material goods of the church and the distribution of alms to the poor and the widows. The emperor believed that the church had accumulated gold and silver items to use for the liturgy and he had Lawrence hauled in and demanded he bring in the riches of the church. The next day Lawrence showed up with the poor and the widows and informed the emperor that these were the riches of the church. The emperor was so furious that he had Lawrence executed, slowly. They used a large iron grate over hot coals. Reportedly Lawrence cheerfully called out, “You can turn me over now. I’m done on this side.” And then died. As a result he is the patron saint of cooks, chefs, and … comedians.

‘Til next week!

-Fr Lou