Reflection for December 13
Memorial of Saint Lucy, Virgin and Martyr
On this Feast of Saint Lucy, Patron Saint of the eyes, may our eyes remain open and fixed upon our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, in His infinite mercy and goodness.
In today’s gospel, Jesus promises to carry us during times of burden, stress, and the challenges which we face in our daily lives, and he offers us “rest” and the strength to carry on, when we are weary, tired, and may want to “quit.”
In the “shadow” of the Season of Creation, I found it fitting to include a prayer excerpt to Saint Lucy: “O St. Lucy, preserve the light of my eyes so that I may see the beauties of creation, the glow of the sun, the colour of the flowers and the smile of children. Preserve also the eyes of my soul, the faith, through which I can know my God, understand His teachings, and recognize His love for me …”
I dedicate this Advent reflection to my father on today, his birthday. My father was notably a member of the first Holy Family Retreat year in 1951, a few short years after World War II, and his Army service in the European Theater and the Battle of the Bulge. He was a regular retreatant with my uncles for many years, and I am so grateful to him - my first and best teacher in my Faith Formation.
Dan Micari