Homily (Reflection) for the Memorial of Saint Lucy (13th
December, 2018) on the Gospel and the Memorial
Is 41:13-20;
Ps 144:1.9-13. (R. v.8);
Matt 11:11-15.
Lucy’s history has been lost and all we really know
for certain is that this brave woman lived in Syracuse and lost her life during
the persecution of Christians in the early fourth century. Lucy can mean
‘light’ or ‘lucid.’ A legend that has passed the test of time tells the story
of a young Christian woman who vowed to live her life in service of Christ. Her
mother tried to arrange a marriage for her with a pagan. After her mother’s
miraculous healing, she persuaded her mother to give the dowry money to the
poor and allow her to commit her life to God. In anger, the rejected bridegroom
was deeply angered and betrayed Lucy's faith to the governor Paschasius. The
governor tried unsuccessfully to defile her at a brothel. Lucy was not burnt
when she was set ablaze. She was finally killed by the swords. Lucy is the
patron saint of the blind.[1]
Topic: Be careful.
The prophet Malachi reads: “Behold, I will send you Elijah
the prophet before the great and terrible day of the LORD comes” (Mal 4:5). And based on this prophesy,
although the Israelites were waiting for the Messiah, they were expecting to
receive Elijah first, cf. Mk 9:11.
However, Jesus tells us in today’s gospel that the Elijah they were waiting for
had come and gone but unnoticed, cf. Matt
11:14.
As we expect God to do one thing or the other either for us
or for others, it is very important that we open our eyes to be able to see God
at work. Otherwise, that might go unnoticed just like the Elijah who came but
the Jews did not recognise him. Again, many have missed opportunities because
they never came as they expected them. Hence I say to you: ‘Be careful’ lest you miss again and
probably the last one.
Bible Reading: Mal
4:1-5.
Thought for today: God is at work.
Let us pray: God, give us the grace to see your
hand at work in us and around us – Amen.
Saint Lucy – Pray for us.
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May
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