Memorial of Saint Lucy, virgin and martyr
(Numbers 24:2-7.15-17a; Matthew 21:23-27)
As with most early martyrs, little can be said of St. Lucy
with certainty. It is told that she was
martyred because she refused marriage after making a promise of virginity. More interestingly, Lucy is known as the
patroness of the blind. A very late
legend depicts her eyes being gouged out as a form of torture. Although unlikely to be true, Lucy’s eyes
link her to both Scripture readings today.
Balaam is a pagan visionary.
God has granted him the ability to peer into the future. Facing the camp of the Israelites, he sees a
mighty king being born someday among them. Jews have interpreted this king as
David. Christians understand him to be
Christ. In the gospel Jesus shows
remarkable insight. He knows the
malevolence of the Jewish hierarchy.
Rather than fall into their trap, he puts them on the defensive.
Even if St. Lucy was blinded, she clearly saw the light of
Christ. Indeed, her name reflects this
light. We too have Christ in our inner
sights. We should listen and do what he
communicates to us. Focusing on Christ,
we will arrive at our destination of happiness.
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