WEDNESDAY OF THE SIXTEENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME JULY 21, 2021 MEMORIAL OF ST LAURENCE OF BRINDISI

PRIEST AND DOCTOR OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH

1559-1619

MASS READING:

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mt 13:1-9

On that day, Jesus went out of the house and sat down by the sea. Such large crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat down, and the whole crowd stood along the shore. And he spoke to them at length in parables, saying: “A sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seed fell on the path, and birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky ground, where it had little soil. It sprang up at once because the soil was not deep, and when the sun rose it was scorched, and it withered for lack of roots. Some seed fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked it. But some seed fell on rich soil, and produced fruit, a hundred or sixty or thirtyfold. Whoever has ears ought to hear.”

REFLECTION

But some seed fell on rich soil, and produced fruit, a hundred or sixty or thirtyfold.

It is amazing what Divine Grace can do when we say "yes".

Cesare De Rossi was born in 1619 AD. He grew up in Naples and was educated by the Franciscans. When he was sixteen he received the Capuchin Franciscan habit and changed his name to Laurence.

He had a gift of language. He was fluent in Latin, Hebrew, Greek, German, Bohemian, Spanish, and French. At the request of Pope Clement VIII, he spent much time preaching to the Jews in Italy. So excellent was his knowledge of Hebrew, the rabbis felt sure he was a Jew who had become a Christian.

He gave great sermons and was very successful in conversions. He established the Capuchin order throughout Germany, working with patients of the plague.

He worked with the Germans in the war against the Turks to win the war. He was envoy to Spain and helped bring conversions. He was eloquent and had the power of persuasion.

St Laurence of Brindisi had compassion for the needy.

If we are disposed, so many good things can happen. The best is the grace of faith, the growth of God in us. Jesus sowed the seed of the Word of God in the fertile heart of St Laurence and the fruits of his work were seen throughout Europe. He put the gifts the Lord gave him to good use. He practiced the theological virtues of faith, hope and love. And with these he was able through generosity, sincerity and good nature bring many people to God.

“God is love

and all His operations

proceed

from

LOVE…” (St Laurence Brindisi)

God Bless You