Jesus uses the metaphor of a grain of wheat to explain the necessity of self-sacrifice for the sake of a greater good. Jesus is the perfect example of this truth. He willingly gave up his life on the cross, embracing suffering and death so that we might have life. His sacrifice brought forth salvation for all humanity.

St. Lawrence served as a deacon in the city of Rome in the third century under Pope Sixtus II. His role as a deacon was to assist in the liturgy, care for the poor, and manage the Church’s material goods. When the Roman authorities demanded that he hand over the treasures of the Church, Lawrence presented the poor, the crippled, the blind, and the suffering, declaring them to be the true treasures of the Church. Lawrence faced his martyrdom with remarkable serenity and even a sense of humor. Tradition tells us that as he was being roasted alive on a gridiron, he quipped, “Turn me over, I’m done on this side.” This lightheartedness in the face of death highlights his extraordinary courage and deep trust in God.

It takes great courage to live out our Christian values in a world that pursues wealth and power. St. Lawrence reminds us that true treasures lie in acts of kindness, compassion, and selfless service to others.

Brothers and sisters: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each must do as already determined, without sadness or compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. Moreover, God is able to make every grace abundant for you, so that in all things, always having all you need, you may have an abundance for every good work. As it is written: He scatters abroad, he gives to the poor;/ his righteousness endures forever. The one who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed and increase the harvest of your righteousness.

Jesus said to his disciples: “Amen, amen, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat; but if it dies, it produces much fruit. Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will preserve it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there also will my servant be. The Father will honor whoever serves me.”