O Lawrence of Rome

Songtext

Behold the Treasures [Verse 1] In the days of Valerian, When Rome demanded sacrifice, Sixtus, once a man of Athens, Had long since given Christ his life. With Felicissimus and Agapitus, Faithful deacons at his side, They seized and bound the bishop And shut them all away to die. Laurence came into the prison, Tears were running down his face: “Father, where are you going without me? I have served you in this place.” [Pre-Chorus] Sixtus said, “I do not leave you. Greater trials await you, son. Three days after I have finished, Your greater victory will come.” [Chorus] Behold the treasures of the Church, Come open up your eyes. Not silver sleeping in a vault, But souls made rich in Christ. The poor, the weak, the ones in need Are precious in His sight. Behold the treasures of the Church, The riches of eternal life. [Verse 2] Sixtus gave him sacred vessels, All the treasures in his care. Laurence walked throughout the city, Giving freely everywhere. Sixtus stood before the judgment, Would not offer pagan flame. At the shrine of Mars he prayed, And earth and idol shook the same. Laurence cried, “I kept your bidding! All the treasure has been given!” But the soldiers heard of treasure, And their thoughts were far from Heaven. Sixtus, Felicissimus, Agapitus Met the sword that August day. Then they carried Laurence to the ruler: “Show us where your riches lay.” [Verse 3] “Give me only three days,” said Laurence, “And your eyes themselves shall see.” So he gathered Rome’s afflicted, All the poor and those in need. No procession made of silver, No imperial jewels unfurled. Laurence stood them before the Prefect: “These are the treasures of the Church.” [Chorus] Behold the treasures of the Church, Come open up your eyes. Not silver sleeping in a vault, But souls made rich in Christ. The poor, the weak, the ones in need Are precious in His sight. Behold the treasures of the Church, The riches of eternal life. [Verse 4] Hippolytos guarded Laurence In the darkness underground. There a prisoner named Lucillus Had his blindness turned around. Hippolytos stood amazed: “Show this treasure unto me.” Laurence said, “Believe in Jesus, Be baptized and you’ll be free.” He brought Laurence to his household; Nineteen gathered there that night. All were taught and all baptized, Coming from the dark to light. Soon they brought him back to Caesar, Ordered him to bend the knee. Once again they asked for incense. Once again he would not yield. [Bridge] You may hold the keys to prisons, You may kindle Caesar’s flame, But no chain can bind the Gospel, No sword can silence Jesus’ name. [Verse 5] While they tortured holy Laurence, Romanus the soldier cried: “There’s a radiant youth beside you, Wiping every wound tonight! Ask your Christ to remember me!” Romanus brought the water near. Laurence baptized the soldier, And his path became clear. They seized Romanus before Caesar. He confessed before the throne: “I am a Christian!” [Choir] I am a Christian! Beyond the walls they led him, Where the sword would send him home. [Chorus] Behold the treasures of the Church, No emperor can buy. The treasure Rome was searching for Was standing there alive. No sword can steal eternal wealth, No flame can dim its light. Behold the treasures of the Church, The riches found in Christ. [Verse 6] Then the next day came for Laurence. They stretched him on the rack, Scourged him with iron lashes, Yet he never turned his back. Above the burning coals They laid him on the iron red. “One side has already roasted, Turn me to the other,” Laurence said. Still the fire could not smother His thanksgiving to the Lord: “I thank You, Jesus Christ my Savior, You have counted me worthy To enter through Your gates.” [Choir] Through Your gates… Through Your gates… [Final Chorus] Behold the treasures of the Church, Come open up your eyes! Not Rome, not gold, not earthly crowns, But everlasting life. The martyr’s crown will never fade, The Kingdom has no night. Behold the treasures of the Church, Forever rich in Christ! [Final Verse] That night faithful Hippolytos Wrapped his body, spice and shroud. With the priest whose name was Justin, They bore Laurence from the crowd. The faithful kept their vigil, Then they laid him down with honor. Justin served the Liturgy, And they shared the Holy Mysteries. Three days later Hippolytos And the Christians with him died, Following the road of Laurence To receive the martyr’s prize. [Outro] Sixtus! Felicissimus! Agapitus! Romanus! Hippolytos! Laurence, faithful unto death! Rome was looking for a treasure— [Choir] But Rome could never see! [All] Behold the treasures of the Church! Forever rich in Christ!