Seeing the poor as a treasure

 200 years after Jesus’ resurrection and ascension, it was said that "All of Rome were becoming Christians." As a result, the Roman Emperor Valerian tried to snuff out this growing movement with one of the greatest waves of persecution.

200 years after Jesus’ resurrection and ascension, it was said that "All of Rome were becoming Christians." As a result, the Roman Emperor Valerian tried to snuff out this growing movement with one of the greatest waves of persecution.

Christians responded by selling their property, distributing all their money and treasures to Rome’s poor. One of the seven deacons of the church in Rome, was a man named Laurence. He was given responsibility over the church’s finances and the distribution to the poor.

Emperor Valerian arrested Laurence, but offered him a way out if he would show where all the church’s treasures were located.

Laurence responded by asking for three days to gather the church’s riches into one central place. On the third day, Laurence brought together the blind, poor, disabled, sick, elderly, widows and orphans. When Valerian arrived, Laurence flung open the doors and said, ‘These are the treasures of the church!’

Valerian was so angry that he decided beheading was not terrifying enough for Laurence. He ordered that this courageous man be roasted on a gridiron. That is how Laurence died on 10 August AD 258.

Apparently, Laurence even joked with his executioners, "You may turn me over. I’m done on this side."

His courage made such an impression that the revival in Rome only increased, with many people becoming Christians including several senators who witnessed his execution.

St Laurence had a profound understanding of the message of Jesus. He understood that the poor were the true treasures of the church.

May we have eyes to view the poor as treasures. May we see our resources as coming from God... may we be thankful AND responsible for what He has stewarded.