Sharing sufferings and help

The readings on the feast of St Laurence (the Scripture reading and the Mass readings) have a particular and special stance.  Though clearly hinting at martyrdom and death, they also contain a special combination not often emphasised much: suffering and help. 

Let us give thanks to the God, and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the merciful Father, the God from whom all help comes.  He helps us in all our troubles, so that we are able to help those who have all kinds of troubles, using the same help that we ourselves have received from God.  Just as we have a share in Christ's many sufferings, so also through Christ we share in his great help (2 Cor. 1: 3-5). 

This aspect of sharing in the sufferings of Christ or bearing persecution for being a witness to Christ is spoken of much, but barely anything said about extending the help that we have been blessed with.  Perhaps, it is primarily because most people go about helping others without making a bit fuss about it. 

The life and works of St Laurence surely are a great example and inspiration for being generous in extending God's help to others who are in need of help.