Around the year 300, during the reign of Diocletian, we find the martyrdom of our Saint for today. Lucy was a young woman, with a vow of chastity and virginity. She was martyred for her faith. At some point, she lost her eyes in the ordeal. Thus, she became the Patron Saint of people with eye problems. While reading about the story surrounding her martyrdom, I found this neat little prayer:
O St Lucy, preserve the light of my eyes so that I may see the beauties of creation, the glow of the sun, the colour of the flowers and the smile of children.
Preserve also the eyes of my soul, the faith, through which I can know my God, understand His teachings, recognise His love for me and never miss the road that leads me to where you, St Lucy, can be found in the company of the angels and saints.
St Lucy, protect my eyes and preserve my faith!
St. Lucy, pray for us!!
In its liturgical calendar, the church reminds us to meditate on each season’s mysteries. In Advent, we focus on the birth of Christ, but it’s not just for Advent. It’s a reminder that Jesus is all around us, all the time. But we focus on it, meditating and praying with it and listening to readings and homilies in worship to remind ourselves of those realities. Advent can be a season of hustle and bustle and leave us breathless in preparation for the upcoming feasts and family gatherings. Amidst all that busyness, Saint Lucy emerges as a luminous guide, beckoning us on our advent journey to rediscover the essence of Christ’s birth in those who traverse our daily lives. Her life serves as a poignant example of the purity of eyes, inspiring us to perceive the sacred in the ordinary and, in turn, alleviate the burden of the season’s demands.
Saint Lucy, a symbol of unwavering devotion and purity, beckons us to emulate her clarity of vision during Advent. In dedicating herself to Christ and embracing a life of virtue, Lucy exemplifies a gaze unclouded by worldly distractions. As we navigate the frenetic pace of holiday preparations, her example becomes a compass, directing our attention to the profound within the mundane, to look for the sacred instead of the profane.
The purity of sight allows us to witness the birth of Jesus in those around us and in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. It will enable us to discern the inherent goodness in others, appreciating the divine spark within each person. Amid crowded shopping malls and hectic schedules, Lucy’s legacy encourages us to pause and recognize the sacred narratives unfolding in the lives of our family, friends, and even strangers.
By cultivating this purity of vision, we are attuned to Advent’s spiritual significance and liberated from the burden of material expectations. Saint Lucy’s life calls us to embrace simplicity and find joy in the intangible gifts of love, compassion and shared moments. In seeing the birth of Jesus in the Most Holy Eucharist, the kindness of a stranger, and the warmth of familial bonds, the weight of societal pressures dissipates, leaving room for a more profound connection to the season’s true spirit.
As we journey through Advent, attempting to see the world and others through the eyes of Christ, we discover that the season’s gift lies not in the external trappings but in our ability to bring our faith with us into ordinary moments, allowing the season to unfold gracefully and authentically, revealing those moments when Christ is being born right in front of us. Then, armed with that perfect vision of Christ our Savior, we can see the world as He does, guiding others to His Church and leading them to His Presence.