Today we commemorate Isaac. Born to Abraham and Sarah when they were, respectively, one hundred years old and ninety-one years old, Isaac (whose name means ‘laughter’), would go on to father Jacob (who would become Israel) and Esau. Taken to Mount Moriah by his father to be sacrificed at the command of God, Isaac was spared at the last moment by the provision of a ram caught in a thicket — this episode pointed forward to the substitutionary sacrifice and atonement of Christ.

Today we celebrate the Festival of St. Mary, Mother of Our Lord. Mentioned throughout the Gospels, Mary was present at many of the major events in her Son’s life. Mary is especially remembered for her unconditional obedience to the will of God, her trust in her Jesus (even when she did not understand all of His words), and, above all, for being honored as the mother of Christ.

Today we commemorate Lawrence, Deacon and Martyr. Most likely born in Spain, Lawrence eventually made his way to Rome and became chief of the seven deacons of the Church. Having control over Church property and finances, Lawrence was called before the Roman emperor, who believed the Church possessed valuable items that could be confiscated, and commanded to produce the “treasures of the Church”. In response, Lawrence brought before the emperor the poor who had benefited from Christian charity. The emperor jailed Lawerence and eventually ordered him executed — by gridiron.