The Festival of St. Lucy, Martyr
Posted on December 13, 2025 by under
Scripture: 2 Corinthians 10:17—11:2 (NKJV)
10:17 But “he who glories, let him glory in the Lord.” 18 For not he who commends himself is approved, but whom the Lord commends.
11:1 Oh, that you would bear with me in a little folly—and indeed you do bear with me. 2 For I am jealous for you with godly jealousy. For I have betrothed you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.
Devotion
St. Lucy is an example of faith, especially for young women. According to historical accounts, she lived in Sicily at the turn of the 4th century. She was raised by her mother (her father passed away when she was five), and she died at a young age under a vow of virginity. During the persecutions of Emperor Diocletian (A.D. 303-305) she was martyred for the faith, refusing to comply with the demands of un-Christian men.
In our day and age the faithful Church goes to great lengths to defend motherhood, since the world vehemently opposes this divine estate and promotes ‘feminism’ in its place. However, the example of St. Lucy reminds us that virginity is also a godly estate—provided that it is lived in spiritual chastity. St. Paul writes in today’s lesson (and the verses following) that all Christians should be like chaste virgins, being uncorrupted by the craftiness and deceit of the devil.
If you are an unmarried young woman, recall St. Lucy and remember that your vocation is pleasing to God. As Paul says: “The unmarried woman cares about the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit” (1 Cor. 7:34). However, if you desire to be married, you desire a good thing! Commend yourself to God and He will take care of all your needs. In the meantime, follow St. Lucy in faith and be not corrupted by the pressures of the world and the devil.
Collect: O God, our Savior, hear us, we pray Thee, as we rejoice in the steadfast devotion Thou dost kindle and sustain in the hearts of Thy saints, through our Lord, Jesus Christ, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever One God, world without end. Amen.
Collect for Populus Sion Sunday, the Second Sunday in Advent
Stir up our hearts, O Lord, to make ready the way of Thine Only-begotten Son, so that by His coming we may be enabled to serve Thee with pure minds; through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever One God, world without end. Amen.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
