The Catholic Church celebrates the Feast of Saint Lawrence, Deacon and Martyr, on Monday, 10 August 2026. Saint Lawrence was a deacon of the Church in Rome. He served God by caring for the poor and remaining faithful to Christ. Saint Lawrence Feast Day Readings focus on generosity, service, sacrifice and faithfulness. They remind us that what we give to God and others can produce good fruit.
First Reading – 2 Corinthians 9:6b–10
“God loves a cheerful giver.”
A reading from the Second Letter of Saint Paul to the Corinthians.
Brethren: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must do as he has made up his mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that you may always have enough of everything and may provide in abundance for every good work.
As it is written, “He scatters abroad, he gives to the poor; his righteousness endures forever.”
He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your resources and increase the harvest of your righteousness.
The word of the Lord.
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 112:1b–2, 5–6, 7–8, 9
R/. It goes well for the man who deals generously and lends.
Blessed the man who fears the Lord,
who takes great delight in his commandments.
His descendants shall be powerful on earth;
the generation of the upright will be blessed. R/.
It goes well for the man who deals generously and lends,
who conducts his affairs with justice.
He will never be moved;
for ever shall the just be remembered. R/.
He has no fear of evil news;
with a firm heart, he trusts in the Lord.
With a steadfast heart he will not fear;
he will see the downfall of his foes. R/.
Open-handed, he gives to the poor;
his justice stands firm forever.
His might shall be exalted in glory. R/.
Alleluia – John 8:12
Alleluia, alleluia.
“I am the light of the world, says the Lord; he who follows me will have the light of life.”
Alleluia.
Gospel – John 12:24–26
“If any one serves me, the Father will honour him.”
A reading from the Holy Gospel according to John.
At that time, Jesus said to his disciples:
“Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.
He who loves his life loses it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.
If any one serves me, he must follow me, and where I am, there shall my servant be also; if any one serves me, the Father will honour him.”
The Gospel of the Lord.
Reflection on the Saint Lawrence Feast Day Readings
The readings for the Feast of Saint Lawrence remind us that Christian life is about more than receiving from God. Instead, we are also called to give, serve and make sacrifices for others.
The First Reading speaks about generosity. Saint Paul compares our giving to planting seeds. When a farmer plants generously, there is hope for a greater harvest. In the same way, our acts of love and generosity can produce good results in the lives of others.
God does not want us to give because we are being forced. Rather, He wants us to give with a willing and cheerful heart. This means that our generosity should come from love.
Saint Lawrence as an Example of Service
Saint Lawrence understood this message very well. He served the Church as a deacon and cared for people who were poor and in need. Therefore, his life is a beautiful example of Christian service.
He did not use his position for his own benefit. Instead, he used what God had entrusted to him to help others.
His example reminds us that everything we have can be used for God’s work. Our money, time, talents and abilities can all become ways of serving others.
The Grain of Wheat
In the Gospel, Jesus gives us the image of a grain of wheat. A grain must fall into the ground and die before it can produce much fruit.
In the same way, following Christ sometimes requires sacrifice. We may have to give up our comfort, our time or something we desire so that another person can be helped.
This does not mean that our sacrifices are meaningless. On the contrary, Jesus teaches us that a life given in love can produce lasting fruit.
Saint Lawrence lived this teaching. He remained faithful to Christ even when following Him became difficult and dangerous.
What Saint Lawrence Teaches Us
Saint Lawrence teaches us to serve God with courage. However, we do not have to wait for a great opportunity before we begin serving others.
We can start with the people around us.
A parent can serve by caring for the family. A teacher can serve by patiently teaching children. A worker can serve by doing honest work. A Christian can serve by helping someone who is struggling.
For example, a kind word can encourage someone who is discouraged. A meal can help someone who is hungry. A simple act of kindness can make another person’s day better.
Therefore, we should never think that our small acts of love are useless. God can use even the smallest act of kindness to bring hope to another person.
A Lesson About Generosity
The Responsorial Psalm also reminds us about the blessing that comes from generosity. It describes the person who gives freely and conducts his affairs with justice.
Such a person does not live in fear. Instead, he places his trust in God.
This is an important lesson for us today. Sometimes we are afraid to give because we think that we may not have enough for ourselves. Yet, God calls us to trust Him and to share what we can.
We do not have to give what we do not have. Rather, we should give according to what God has placed in our hands and do so with a loving heart.
Prayer to Saint Lawrence
Saint Lawrence, faithful servant and martyr of Christ, pray for us.
Help us to serve God with generous hearts. Teach us to give without complaining and to care for those who are in need.
When we are afraid of sacrifice, give us courage. When we are tempted to think only about ourselves, remind us of the example of Jesus.
Help us to remain faithful to Christ and to use our gifts in the service of others.
May our lives produce good fruit and bring glory to God.
Saint Lawrence, pray for us. Amen.
Feast of Saint Lawrence – 10 August 2026
First Reading: 2 Corinthians 9:6b–10
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 112:1b–2, 5–6, 7–8, 9
Alleluia: John 8:12
Gospel: John 12:24–26
The Feast of Saint Lawrence reminds us that generosity, service and sacrifice are important parts of Christian life. As we celebrate his feast, may we learn to give more freely, serve others with love and remain faithful to Christ.
Saint Lawrence, pray for us.