good cheer

2 corinthians 9:6-10; Psalm 112 Blessed the man who is gracious and lends to those in need; John 12:24-26

Today we celebrate the Memorial of the Martyrdom of St. Lawrence, a deacon in the early church. 

In early August 258, the emperor Valerian issued an edict that order all bishops, priests, and deacons to be immediately executed.  On the 6th of August, Pope Sixtus II was executed in the catacombs.  Three days later, St. Lawrence, the last of seven deacons, was executed.

Now, when we look at the martyrs, most of the time we focus on the manner they were killed.  Some were beheaded, some were crucified up side down, some were skinned alive, some were staked to death, some were shot with arrows, some we burned, and St. Lawrence was basically grilled up a gridiron. 

When approaching the witness of the martyr we must remember that it isn't important how they died but rather how they die that speaks volumes. 

The manner of their physical death is a small detail, it is how they embrace it that speaks the truth of their witness. 

when we look at those martyred for the faith, there is one thing they all have in common: they were all cheerful givers.  Each of them cheerfully gave their life. 

The were cheerfully disposed to follow in the footsteps of Christ.  Joy emanates from every saint and it is an essential characteristic of those who follow Jesus. 

Mother Teresa when she would meet a prospective sister, she would always check to see if they had a cheerful disposition.  In fact, to be cheerful, was the fourth vow the sisters would take when they become a Sister of charity for as St. Paul says, "God loves a cheerful giver."

A cheerful giver is a great giver.  Mother Teresa would exhort her sisters with these words, "Let us greet each other with a smile, for a smile is the beginning of love."

We must embrace the difficulties of life with a smile, not one that is fake, but one that truly understands the depth of reality; God takes delight in the death of his faithful, the death to self and life on high in Christ. 

cheerfulness is a power of the will.  It has its origin never in the circumstances of life but always in the deep understanding of God's love for all, "For the Lord takes delight in his people," (Psalm 149)

The root of the word "cheer" comes from the Latin "face" and the greek "head"; thus, the deep joy of faith is written all over the face.