Today we celebrate the feast of St. Lucy. She is patroness of those suffering from diseases of the eyes. She lived in the early 300's – being born in Syracuse, Sicily. At a young age she is said to have torn her eyes out rather than to yield to a rapist. She later suffered a martyr's death! This day is celebrated in Sweden as the "festival of light" – images of Lucy with a crown containing candles are associated with the celebration!
Virginity, in the early Church, throughout its history – and with resurgence in our own day – is a very special charism and gift from God. One day the purified, holy and innocent Church will be the Bride of Christ in the age to come; voluntarily virginity and "engagement to Christ" here below is a very powerful and rich sign of what is to come – and a cause for joy, hope and encouragement: that all of the travail in this life will be transformed at the eternal wedding feast that awaits us all!
We are all called, in a sense to be like wise virgins, who have oil for our lamps, awaiting the arrival of the Groom. The oil is prayer, it is communal celebration of the Lord's Presence in Eucharist, it is loving service to brothers and sisters: to friends of God: it is standing always in a posture of watchful hope and hopeful expectation!
Into your hands, O Lord, we commend our spirits: for as we place our trust in you, we are certain that you will redeem us, O faithful God!
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