E02981: A Latin pseudepigraphic sermon wrongly attributed to Peter Chrysologus is preached for the feast of *Laurence (deacon and martyr of Rome, S00037), with references to the story of his martyrdom, in which he is associated with *Sixtus II (bishop and martyr of Rome, S00201). Of uncertain date, probably during Late Antiquity starting from the 5th c., perhaps in Africa.

(Pseudo-) Peter Chrysologus, Sermon 135, De natale sancti Laurentii ('On the birth of saint Laurence')

§ 1: Hodiernus dies beatissimi martyris Laurentii corona inlustratur, illius merita nulla pars Romani orbis ignorat. Passus est in ipso capite gentium, id est in urbe Romana. Ibi enim diaconus ministravit, et in ipso iuventutis flore decorem iuventutis suae sanguine purpuravit. Passio eius insignis est multumque mirabilis. Hanc breviter domino adiuvante narrabo.

‘This day is renowned because of the martyr Lawrence’s crown. No part of the Roman world is ignorant of the merits of this outstanding martyr. He suffered in the very capital of the nations, that is, in the city of Rome itself. For he ministered there as a deacon, and there in the flower of his youth he purpled his youthful beauty with his blood. His martyrdom is extraordinary and much to be admired. With the Lord’s help, I shall briefly narrate it.’

The sermon continues telling the story of Laurence’s martyrdom: Laurence was archdeacon under bishop Sixtus, who was himself martyred three days earlier. Laurence was sad to be left behind, but Sixtus told him as a prophecy that he would soon follow. This gave joy and hope to Laurence. When arrested, his persecutors, because he was archdeacon, hoped to seize his the wealth he was responsible for, although Laurence himself was poor in goods but rich in virtues. Laurence asked for a delay of three days and then showed the riches of the Church to the persecutor: a crowd of poor people. The persecutor then, angered, ordered him to be killed by the sword and a fire to be prepared. As is famously known, Laurence was grilled, bound fast to a gridiron of torture to roast him, but Laurence then quietly told the torturers to turn him over as one of his sides was already cooked. Faith consoled him, as God gave him the gift to endure punishments. Only God can give the ability to endure martyrdom, the merits of martyrs are gifts of God (quoting Phil. 1:29). Will only follows God’s gifts, but there is charity if there is will. The feast of the martyr should be celebrated by imitating him.

Text: Olivar 1982, 821-823. Translation: Ganss 1953, 222-224. Summary: M. Pignot.