St Lucy

Word for the day

“You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid.” Matthew 5:14

Life

Lucy was a young Christian of Syracuse in Sicily who died as a martyr, probably during the persecution of Diocletian around 304. Her veneration is very ancient: an inscription from Syracuse of the late fourth or early fifth century mentions her feast, and her name is in the Roman Canon of the Mass.

Her later Acts, which historians regard as largely legendary, tell that she consecrated her virginity to God, gave her dowry to the poor, and was denounced by a disappointed suitor. Condemned, she could not be moved by force, and was finally killed with a sword.

Her name comes from the Latin word for light. Her feast falls in the darkest days of the northern year, and in many countries it is kept with lights and processions. Because of a later legend about her eyes, she is invoked as patron of those with eye disease.

Lessons

A light in the darkness

Her name and feast speak of Christ the Light.

Generosity to the poor

She gave her wealth away.

Firm in faith

No force could move her from Christ.

Stories

Immovable (legend)

The Acts tell that guards tried to drag Lucy away with ropes and even oxen, but could not move her.

The patron of eyes (legend)

A medieval legend says that her eyes were taken out and restored by God; she is often pictured holding two eyes on a dish, and is invoked by those with eye trouble.

Homily

1. Her name is light

Lucy reminds us of Christ the Light.

2. Firm like a rock

Faith that cannot be moved.

3. Generous to the poor

She gave away her dowry.

Dear friends, St Lucy was a young Christian martyr of Sicily in the great persecution around the year 304. Her name means light, and her feast comes in the darkest days of the northern year, in the middle of Advent.

We know little for certain about her life, but her memory was honoured very early; her name is in the Roman Canon. Later stories tell that she gave her dowry to the poor and that no force could move her from her faith. Whatever the details, the heart is clear: she preferred Christ to everything.

Jesus said: you are the light of the world (Matthew 5:14). Lucy's light was not her own; it was the light of Christ shining through her courage and generosity.

In this Advent season, let us be lights: by generosity to the poor, by firmness in faith, by kindness in dark situations. And let us pray for all who suffer from eye disease, and for all who live in spiritual darkness. Amen.

Prayer

Lord, may the prayers of St Lucy, virgin and martyr, give us courage, so that we may be lights in the world and come to see your glory. Amen.