When slow consuming had seared
The flesh of Lawrence for a space,
He calmly from his gridiron made
This terse proposal to the judge:

“Pray turn my body, on one side
Already broiled sufficiently,
And see how well your Vulcan’s fire
Has wrought its cruel punishment.”

          ~From a poem by Prudentius
            On the martyrdom of St. Lawrence

For Reflection:

Martyrdom comes in many ways. Sometimes it requires the shedding of our blood, sometimes not. Where am I feeling the consuming heat of martyrdom in my life right now? In what specific way can I accept this suffering with joy and strength as exemplified by St. Lawrence?

Sexuality and Authority in the Catholic Church
Monica Miller  PB 286 pgs
Click Here For More Information: INTRODUCTION

Feminist theology believes that the hierarchical structure of Catholicism and its sacramental system are bastions of all-male power that inherently discriminate against women. The theological task before the Church must demonstrate the covenantal dimension of authority and how women, without the status of ordained office, possess a true authority that is effective of salvation.