The painting in a church in Venice is by Titian, entitled the Martyrdom of St. Lawrence. deacon and martyr d. 258 Lawrence (also spelled Laurence), who was one of seven deacons in Rome, was martyred during one of the persecutions of Christians in the third century. Knowing his death was near, he gave away the wealth of the church where he worked. His death caused many to embrace the new faith. He was likely beheaded, but the legend grew that he was roasted on a gridiron, as the painting shows. He is supposed to have shown great bravery and even humor, telling the Roman soldiers that he was done on that side and could be turned over. Thus, in the Church’s logic, he became the patron saint not only of the poor, but also of cooks. The Basilica of San Lorenzo in Rome is built over his supposed burial place. Prayer: Almighty God, by whose grace and power your servant Laurence triumphed over suffering and despised death: Grant that we may be steadfast in service to the poor and outcast, and may share with him in the joys of your everlasting kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
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Saints Alive!
I have been privileged to offer Noonday Prayer at my church, usually on Thursdays, which doesn’t matter because it’s on Youtube forever. [It’s amazing what can be done with a smartphone and a smart, helpful parish administrator!] The service is brief, with a place for a meditation. We usually look at the Episcopal calendar of saints, who are nearly always honored on their death dates, not their birth dates. Here is a hymn by medieval saint Hildegard of Bingen to set the mood.
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