Sir 48:1-4, 9-11 Ps 80:2ac and 3b, 15-16, 18-19 Mt 17:9a, 10-13

Weekly Guide for Daily Prayer The Daily Reflections

Today’s first reading is full of the vivid imagery of fire. The prophet Elijah is burning with the Word of God which he brings to the people. One of the mysterious characteristics about fire is that the flames consume everything within their reach. Nothing, and in this case, no one can escape their grasp. Fire brings the degradation of the old, but brings about the birth of the new. The prophets’ messages aimed to plead with the people to turn from their old ways and live in the new light of God.

The unfortunate reality is that we as humans do not walk around with visible flames. In fact, the fire that burns within one another is invisible to the human eye. I recently returned from a teach-in that rekindled the flame that had until then, dwindled. It was not that I did not want to keep my light burning, but rather I had failed to give my flame its due attention. The teach-in provided a much needed revival of the spirit and enthusiasm I need to undertake God’s plan in my daily life and offered a manifestation of thousands of “flames” into one rolling fire. It was exhilarating to see so many people come together and profess a common faith.

Today also marks another special occasion regarding light and service as seen in the celebration of the feast day for St. Lucy. St. Lucy is the patron saint for the blind and visually impaired. She is most commonly noted as Santa Lucia in traditional Swedish heritage. Part of her celebration involves a special ceremony in which a girl wears a white gown and a wreath of candles in her hair which serves as a representation of her burning faith in God, a faith that would lead to her martyrdom. St. Lucy is remembered for her steadfast convictions and allegiance to God.

Christmas is a perfect time to rekindle the flame that dwells within us. It represents the completion of a year, and the birth of Christ. I would like to close with a prayer I came across when I was young and participated in the celebration of Santa Lucia:

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 illuminate 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. Amen.