Light. Light features prominently in our faith. The first thing God created was light. God’s first words in the Bible are “Let there be light”.
Psalm 119 describes God’s word as a light for our feet and a lamp unto our path.
Isaiah foretells of a time when the people walking in darkness will see a great light; when upon those living in the land of the shadow of death, light shall dawn.
Psalm 27 says, “The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom should I fear”?
Light. Light enables us to see. It helps us to avoid the dangers which would lead to our demise. “All things become visible when they are exposed by the light” St. Paul says. We are to walk by the light of God which enables us to avoid deadly sin and make our way to the unapproachable light of heaven.
Light enables us to detect what is Good, what is True, and what is beautiful. By God’s light, we can see what is good and what is bad for us. By God’s light we can see what is true and what is erroneous. And By God’s light we can detect the many facets of his beautiful creation. Light enables us to behold the beauty of created things, for God has poured his beauty into Creation, and gives us light to appreciate. Ecclesiastes says, “The light is pleasant, and it is good for the eyes to see the sun.”
Light is also utilized by the Church in her liturgy. Candles are light on the altar for the celebration of holy Mass, so that we can see the mysteries we are celebrating. The paschal fire and the paschal candle are lit at easter time to symbolize the new creation of Christ’s resurrection. And light is used during Advent, our Advent Candles are lit on Advent Sundays to help us prepare well for the celebration of Christ—the light who comes into the world at Christmas. In the Gospel of John begins talking about Light, that John the Baptist himself was not the Light, but he came to testify about the Light: that the true Light who gives light to every man was coming into the world.”
Today we celebrate St. Lucy. Her name, Lucy, Lucia, comes from the latin word “Lux” which means, light of course. Her life was filled with the light of Christ. In the saints, the Lord’s teaching that his followers are to be the light of the world, is fulfilled. The Lord’s light shined in the life and soul of St. Lucy.
Even when she was struck blind as part of her tortures for following Christ in a time of persecution: Lucy was still able to see. The light of Christ truly enabled her to walk by the light of faith, not simply by sight of the physical eyes.
We all need the help of the saints in order to be like those wise virgins in the Gospel who keep the light of their lamps ready for the Lord's return.
There is a beautiful and simple prayer called the St. Lucy prayer that goes like this:
Saint Lucy, you did not hide your light under a basket, but let it shine for the whole world, for all the centuries to see. We may not suffer torture in our lives the way you did, but we are still called to let the light of our Christianity illumine our daily lives. Please help us to have the courage to bring our Christianity into our work, our recreation, our relationships, our conversation -- every corner of our day…for the glory of God and salvation of souls.
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We raise up our prayers of petition, as we await with longing the Advent of Christ the Lord.
That Advent repentance and devotion may prepare us rightly for Christmas joy.
That our president and all civil servants will carry out their duties with justice, honesty, and respect for the dignity of every human life.
For the conversion of those who reject Jesus and His Church, those who have fallen into serious sin, and those who have fallen away from the Church.
Through the intercession of St. Lucy, we pray for all those who suffer blindness and eye disorders, and for safety from accidental loss of vision, and for all of the sick and suffering.
For all who have died, and for all the poor souls in purgatory, and for X. for whom this Mass is offered.
Almighty ever-living God, who brings salvation to all and desire that no one should perish, hear the prayers of your people and grant that the course of our world may be directed by your peaceful rule and your Church rejoice in tranquility and devotion. Through Christ our Lord.
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