August 10, 2006
“True Treasures”
Throughout my brief life of thirty-some years, I have moved around a lot (my dad works in pharmaceuticals and has changed jobs and companies many times). I have lived in Ohio, Indiana, New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, California and even Costa Rica. And I have been blessed to travel to Canada, the Virgin Islands, Europe, the Philippines and beyond.
Although leaving home and starting over so many times was a difficult challenge, it gave me a broader perspective of what life is all about. And I had many experiences of the presence of Christ, often in “distressing disguise,” for which I am deeply grateful.
As I pray for my brother Matthew (my only and beloved sibling) on his birthday today, I reflect also on today’s saint, Lawrence the Deacon, who reminds me of what really matters most in life:
One time, some unchristian fellows demanded that Lawrence “hand over all the treasures of the church.” He responded by gathering together the people of the area, most of whom were poor. He declared: “Behold the treasures of the Church!” They were confounded and left dumbstruck.
People really are the “true treasures” in life! In a special way, we are personally enriched by the small and wounded members of Christ’s Mystical Body; the poorest of the poor. They reveal to us the humility of God, and are His glory shining on earth, celebrated mysteriously in every Eucharist we break. And the more we ourselves are poured out in love for others, the more we have LIFE!
“…love one another as I have loved you.” (John 15:12b)
Let us ask our Heavenly Father to fill us with His Holy Spirit today and always, that we may recognize and love Christ, His Son, present in the soul of every person we meet. +Amen
Br. Philip Maria Allen, CFR
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