Laurence is followed today by the son of Chromatius, prefect of Rome, Tiburtius, who also suffered on burning coals for the confession of his faith. Though forty years intervened between the two martyrdoms, it was the same Holy Spirit that animated these witnesses of Christ and suggested to them the same answer to their executioners. Tiburtius, walking on the fire, cried out: “Learn that the God of the Christians is the only God, for these hot coals seem flowers to me.”
Equally near to the great Archdeacon stands an illustrious virgin, so bright herself as not to be eclipsed by him. A relative of both the Emperor Diocletian and the holy Pope Caius, Susanna, it is said, one day beheld the imperial crown at her feet. But she obtained a far greater nobility for, by preferring the wreath of virginity, she won at the same time the palm of martyrdom.
Now, as Saint Leo remarks, on the glorious solemnity whose Octave we are keeping, if no one is good for himself alone, if the favours of Divine Wisdom profit not only the recipient, then no one is more wise than the martyr, no eloquence can instruct the people so well as his. It is by this excellent manner of teaching that, as the Church tells us today, Laurence enlightened the whole world with the light of his fire, and by the flames which he endured he warmed the hearts of all Christians. By the example of his martyrdom faith is kindled and devotion fostered in our souls. “The persecutor lays no hot coals for me, but he sets me on fire with desire of my Saviour.” If, moreover, and it is not mere theory to repeat it in our days, if, as Saint Augustine remarks, “circumstances place a man in the alternative of transgressing a divine precept or losing his life, he too must know how to die for the love of God, rather than live at enmity with Him.” Morality does not change, neither does the justice of God, who in all ages rewards the faithful, as in all ages He chastises cowards.Also on this day according to the ROMAN MARTYROLOGY:
At Comana in Pontus, St. Alexander, bishop, surnamed Carbonarius, who added to a consummate knowledge of philosophy an eminent degree of Christian humility. He was promoted to the See of that church by St. Gregory Thaumaturgus, and became illustrious, not only by preaching, but also by suffering martyrdom by fire.
The same day, the martyrdom of St. Rufinus, bishop of the Marsi, and his companions, under the emperor Maximinus.
At Evreux in France, St. Taurinus, bishop. Being made bishop of that city by the blessed Pope Clement, he propagated the Christian faith by the preaching of the Gospel, and the many labours he sustained for it. Celebrated for glorious miracles, he slept in the Lord.
At Cambrai in France, St. Gaugericus, bishop and confessor.
In the province of Valeria, St. Equitius, abbot, whose sanctity was attested by Pope St. Gregory.
At Todi, St. Digna, virgin.
And in other places, many other holy martyrs, confessors and virgins.
Thanks be to God.
