Advent Daily Reflections Header

 



Memorial of St. Lucy

Readings of the Day
[link removed]

 

We know that Advent invites us to a time of prayer and
reflection.  We have the opportunity to
ponder what it means to encounter God's love revealed in the
incarnation of
Christ.  Today, our Church celebrates the
Feast of St. Lucy; virgin and martyr.  As
the patroness of light and eyes, St. Lucy reminds us to examine our
life from
different perspectives. 

Today's Gospel story of the ten virgins and the lamps delivers
an opportunity to examine life from a new light.  This year I
looked and  found a new opportunity to see God's
invitation to prepare for the coming of Christ. 
Much like the women who waited for the groom outside the Kingdom of
Heaven, we are invited to prepare ourselves for the coming of the
Christ
Child. 

The Gospel is clear in the parable- five were prepared and
five were not prepared.  What does
preparation look like in Advent?  For me
it looks like prayer, reflection, and pursuing a sense of calm.
However, if I
stay in those internal moments, I miss the invitation to more. 
This season is also about an invitation to be
of service, to offer mercy, to be a part of Christ's
manifestation of justice
and charity to one another. 

Marking the Feast of St. Lucy allows us to integrate the
necessity of light alongside the women in the Gospel who were
preparing for the
arrival of the groom.  With adequate
light we are invited to new ways and opportunities to welcome others,
to be of
service, and to pursue justice to answer the call of the Christ
Child. 

 

Genevieve Mougey is Senior National Associate for Roman Catholic
Engagement at Bread for the World.

 

 




View this message in your browser. 
[link removed]

Forward this message.
Update your email preferences.
[link removed]
[link removed]