The God who draws near

Saint Lawrence of Brindisi (1559-1619) whose feast day is celebrated, today, in the Roman Catholic Church was a Capuchin friar and priest as well as one of the Doctors officially recognised as such by the Roman Church. Among his many gifts were a wide range of languages including Hebrew and Greek helping him to preach in ways that were thoroughly grounded in sacred scripture. This was of particular significance at the height of the controversies that ensued from the protestant reformation in the 16^th and 17^th centuries. He was also known as a great listener, diplomat and peacemaker. As oneFranciscan source said about him:

His constant devotion to Scripture, coupled with great sensitivity to the needs of people, present a lifestyle which appeals to Christians today.

In an English translation of his sermons, a Father Colbourne OFM Cap records the three ways of belonging to Christ in the writing of St Lawrence:

Firstly as the Word he is present in person.

Secondly he is present in heaven on God’s right hand which his place.

Thirdly he is in the host as in a sacrament.

By means of his divine nature he is absolutely in everything that has been created because of their essence. By means of his humanity he is totally present in all that is human. By means of his sacramental presence he resides in every consecrated host or chalice on every altar in the world.

This is a timely and concise reminder of the presence of Christ in the Eucharist that we do well to recall often and prayerfully.  It reminds us that in addition to his sacramental presence Christ is present in his Word that urges us to go out into the world and serve others.

In Deuteronomy 4:7 it is written:

For what other great nation has a god so near to it as the Lord our God is whenever we call to him?

St Lawrence comments on this verse as follows:

What nation in the world ever had the privilege of feeding itself on the real body and blood of the living and true God, apart from the Christian people who do so in this sacrament?