[Salvation]

Monday, December 13, 2004

St. Lucy

Little is actually known about St. Lucy, whose feast is today. She was martyred at the beginning of the fourth century. Tradition has it that, at the height of a persecution conducted by the Roman Emperor Diocletian, Lucy distributed her dowry to the poor, and was suspected of being a Christian. She was turned in by the young man to whom her parents had betrothed her.

* * *

Lucy became a popular saint and her name was even included in the Canon of the Mass.

* * *

Her name comes from the Latin word “lux” which means “light,” and celebration of her feast often include wearing a crown of lights. She is also patroness of the eyes.

* * *

The meteors that often appear about the time of her feast are referred to as “Lucy’s Lights.”

[Salvation]

Monday - Third Week of Advent

After their audience with the king they set out. And behold, the star that they had seen at its rising preceded them, until it came and stopped over the place where the child was. They were overjoyed at seeing the star, and on entering the house they saw the child with Mary his mother. (Matthew 2:9-11)

This is a fascinating story. The star now reappears and leads the Magi to Bethlehem.

Bethlehem is about five miles south of Jerusalem, so it was not a long trip. This remarkable star not only showed them the town, but the house where the child was.

The Magi enter the house and find “the child with Mary his mother.” Where’s Joseph? (He isn’t mentioned at all in the entire episode of the Magi.)

Joseph is only mentioned when he is needed – to get up, take the child and his mother, and do this or that.

Mary too. Same as Joseph: Never imposing herself, always there to do God’s will. (In Matthew’s entire infancy account, she and Joseph speak not a word.)

It’s God who is the master painter. We’re assistants. Let the master do the masterpiece. We’re honored to help.

Actually, it’s good news. A Messiah has been born for us. That job’s taken. We don’t have to try to fill it. Just do what we’re asked to do.

Spend some quiet time with the Lord.