During the persecution of the Early Church, Saint Lawrence was under a death threat from Emperor Valerian. But his persecutor offered a deal. Lawrence could live if he turned over the treasures of the church. In one of history’s most audacious rebukes, Lawrence is said to have gathered the poor and sick and told Valerian: Here is our treasure. For his act of resistance and faith, Lawrence was burned to death. How do you resist injustice? Saint Lawrence, give us courage. FEAST OF LAWRENCE, DEACON, MARTYR