Memorial of St. Lucy

Readings of the Day

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.

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