St . Lucy by FireFiriel
Memorial of St. Lucy,martyr - (died 304)
Lucy, a young woman from Sicily died during a violent period of the persecutions under the emperor Diocletian. Legend tells that when Lucy told her fiance, that she wanted to devote her life to serving the poor, the young man, a pagan reported her to the authorities who arrested, tortured her by removing her eyes and finally, killing her.
To this day, Lucy is considered the patron saint of Sicily and also the patron of all people who do not have their vision, the blind. In Venice, gondoliers sing the famous song Santa Lucia as they steer their boats through the water canals of the city. In Sweden and Hungary, this is a day of feasting and celebrating the light. "Soon another morning dawn, an everlasting day, when Christ the Lord in glory comes to chase the night away." (Swedish carol)
Lucy is worth spending some time considering. Although in many parts of the world, the festive lights that accompany this time of year may lead us to believe that we live in the light of Christ, there are still too many people who are hungry, poor, homeless, neglected to affirm that conviction. Does apathy cause us to be blind to these conditions, to these persons?
Human beings migrate toward light when we're cold, when we need a guide to lead us through shadows, when we want to see. In the short days of winter, we long for the lengthening of days to return us to light and warmth.
Might today be the time to consider removing our own blinders to see the people who are in need this Advent? As the light of Christ longs to warm our hearts with compassion and mercy toward person who live in the dark, how might be be a light for others who need to be warm, to be healed by persons who can generate a kindness that brings the light whenever it falls someone's way? How will you be the light of Christ for someone today?
The wonderful liturgical musician Bernadette Farrell penned this music and lyrics. Take a minute to watch and listen to this YouTube of Christ, Be Our Light. Where will this holy message lead you?
And from the prolific writings of Thomas Merton....
An Invocation to St. Lucy
Lucy, whose day is in our darkest season,
(Although your name is full of light,)
We walkers in the murk and rain of flesh and sense,
Lost in the midnight of our dead world’s winter solstice
Look for the fogs to open on your friendly star.
We have long since cut down the summer of our history;
Our cheerful towns have all gone out like fireflies in October.
The fields are flooded and the vine is bare:
How have our long days dwindled, now the world is frozen!
Locked in the cold jails of our stubborn will,
Oh hear the shovels growling in the gravel.
This is the way they’ll make our beds for ever,
Ours, whose Decembers have put out the sun:
Doors of whose souls are shut against the summertime!
Martyr, whose short day sees our winter and our Calvary,
Show us some light, who seem forsaken by the sky:
We have so dwelt in darkness that our eyes are screened and dim,
And all but blinded by the weakest ray.
Hallow the vespers and December of our life, O martyred Lucy:
Console our solstice with your friendly day.
St. Lucy, pray for us.
Come, Lord Jesus.