Lighter Up

Happy St. Lucy Feast Day! Earlier this week I went to Target and bought all my candles so I could light the house from top to bottom. I purposely came into work early today so I could enjoy more of my evening tonight with Frank with all the candles lit. I know it sounds silly but I have been looking forward to this feast day for weeks. I guess because I am a candle freak!

As soon as I woke up I lit my little angel’s candles and kept the lights off in the house while I got ready. As I ate my breakfast I watched my angel holding the glowing flames high in the air. Slowly the little square candles melted into the shape of tiny wax balls. As hard as I tried to reflect on Lucy’s bravery so many years ago I couldn’t focus. Sophie was wagging her nub in excitement and Buster (we are babysitting my parents’ dog) was pawing at my leg. They were desperately craving my attention and I was becoming frustrated. But I guess I need to give them a little slack. Lighting candles in the morning is not in my normal routine so I probably through them off.

I love reading all the stories of the martyrs and hearing about their bravery and commitment to God. This morning I tried imaging what it would be like to be persecuted for following God. I was thinking a lot about Lucy and how steadfast she was about her lifestyle and devotion to God. Nobody was going to make her put pagan ideologies above God. No matter what the cost.

In many ways we are like Lucy but on a smaller scale. By fighting for “In God We Trust” on the dollar bill. By defending “one nation under God” in the Pledge of the Allegiance. By placing a Nativity scene in your front yard. By simply saying “Merry Christmas” instead of “Happy Holidays.” By wearing a cross around your neck when you are out at a bar. In all the little ways that we let Christ shine through our lives.

In my own life I can think of countless times that I have had to defend my beliefs. It’s hard sometimes to be unwavering but in the end you know it was the right decision. I know I’m not up against an army that wants to rip out my eyes. But sometimes it feels like it. All I can do is be like Lucy and be firm in my faith. I know God will have my back and that’s all I need.