“Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions, and give alms; provide yourselves with purses that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Luke 12:32–34 (RSV)
St. Lawrence, Deacon 225-258 - Martyr
The Roman Emperor Valerian decreed persecution of Christians in Rome in 257 AD. Among the first victims was Pope Sixtus II. Sixtus assigned Lawrence to distribute the Church's treasure among the poor rather than surrender it to the Imperial treasury.
After Sixtus was martyred, the governor of Rome demanded that Lawrence recover the treasure. Lawrence asked for three days to complete the task. At the end of the third day, Lawrence came before the governor. He brought the destitute, the disabled, the elderly, the outcasts, presenting them to the governor.
'Here is the treasure of the Church." Lawrence announced. Enraged, the governor executed Lawrence. He did not find the silver and gold Lawrence had given away.
The silver and gold St. Lawrence gave away was long ago melted down and lost. It was not the treasure for which Jesus gave His life on the cross. We are His treasure, even the very least of these.