Has life ever seemed so dark, you weren’t sure what to do next? 

The darkest moment of Lucy’s life came when she was just twenty-one years old. Lucy was betrothed to a pagan man, but she felt God was calling her not to marry, so she gave away her dowry to the poor instead. 

When the pagan man found out that she wasn’t going to marry him, he decided to punish her by dragging her to a brothel. But no matter how hard he and his guards tried to take her away, she couldn’t be moved. They tried to burn her to death, and it didn’t work. Finally, he killed her with a sword. In the 1700 years since her death, Lucy’s courage and faith has been a reminder to millions of people that even in the greatest darkness, we can look toward the light of God. Her name itself means light or light-bearer! 

There may be times in your life where you are so traumatized that you don't know which way is up or down, left or right, back or forward. But no matter what, there’s one thing you can always do—walk toward the light. There might be days when you feel like you can’t walk, and that’s okay, just move toward the light. There might be days when you feel like you can’t even move, and that’s okay, just look toward the light.

Are you sensitive about who and what is drawing you toward the light, and who and what is drawing you deeper into the darkness? 

Be careful of these things that will draw you deeper into the darkness: worry, fear, procrastination, self-destructive behavior, ruminating on the past, obsessing about the future, negative self-talk, and toxic people. 

Focus on these things that will draw you into the light: Prayer, reflection, meditation, reading, work, long walks, authentic love of self, acceptance of others, being loved and accepted by others, friends who want what is best for you regardless of what it costs them, and being that kind of friend to others.

Find your own way. There is no one path or recipe for everyone. You have unique hopes, dreams, fears, ambitions, talents, and needs. God will use each of these to call you along your own unique path, but always toward the light. 

If you’re not sure where you are or what direction you should be going: move toward the light. The light always leads us forward.



Feast Day: December 13

Feast Day Shared By: Saint Ariston

Patron Saint of: The Blind, Martyrs, Epidemics, Salesmen, Throat Infections, and Writers

Symbols: Holding a Dish With Two Eyeballs On It, a Lamp, a Dagger, a Sword, or Two Oxen