The other morning at vigils we heard of Saint Dominic’s longing to be scourged, cut into little pieces, and thus die for faith in Christ. I wonder if any one of us shares a similar longing—despite the great honor and privilege of dying for Christ. Nevertheless, this does not mean that we are incapable of manifesting something of the total self-giving of the martyr. Indeed, Cassian affirms that monks who deny themselves by never doing what they wish, are daily crucified to this world and are living martyrs. When this dying to self (and all selfishness) is part of serving others (and in them serving Christ) then we become that grain of wheat that dies and bears much fruit. Furthermore, according to Paul, if we sow bountifully, we will reap bountifully, if sparingly, we will reap sparingly. Inspired by the example of Saint Laurence who sowed bountifully, let us strive (with the assistance of his prayers) to imitate his total self-giving by daily laying down our lives in service of those in need around us. This humble daily martyrdom may not win us recognition or renown, but it will bring joy to Christ and bear rich fruit in holiness and the precious gift of inner peace.
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