Saints Lucy, Virgin, Martyr
Psalter: Week II
Red
She was martyred in Syracuse, probably during the persecution of Diocletian (which started in 303). Devotion to her spread rapidly across practically the whole Church and her name is included in the Roman Canon of the Mass.
Entrance Antiphon
Behold, now she follows the Lamb who was crucified for us, powerful in virginity, modesty her offering,a sacrifice on the altar of chastity.
Collect
May the glorious intercessionof the Virgin and Martyr Saint Lucygive us new heart, we pray, O Lord,so that we may celebrate her heavenly birthdayin this present ageand so behold things eternal.Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,one God, for ever and ever.
First reading : Ecclesiasticus 48:1-4,9-12
The prophet Elijah arose like a fire, his word flaring like a torch. It was he who brought famine on the people, and who decimated them in his zeal. By the word of the Lord, he shut up the heavens, he also, three times, brought down fire. How glorious you were in your miracles, Elijah! Has anyone reason to boast as you have? Taken up in the whirlwind of fire, in a chariot with fiery horses; designated in the prophecies of doom to allay God’s wrath before the fury breaks, to turn the hearts of fathers towards their children, and to restore the tribes of Jacob, Happy shall they be who see you, and those who have fallen asleep in love.
Responsorial Psalm : Psalm 79(80):2-3,15-16,18-19
R/ Lord of hosts, bring us back; let your face shine on us and we shall be saved.
O shepherd of Israel, hear us, shine forth from your cherubim throne. O Lord, rouse up your might,O Lord, come to our help.
God of hosts, turn again, we implore, look down from heaven and see. Visit this vine and protect it, the vine your right hand has planted.
May your hand be on the man you have chosen, the man you have given your strength. And we shall never forsake you again; give us life that we may call upon your name.
Gospel Acclamation
Alleluia, alleluia! The day of the Lord is near; Look, he comes to save us. Alleluia!
Gospel : Matthew 17:10-13
As they came down from the mountain the disciples put this question to Jesus, ‘Why do the scribes say that Elijah has to come first?’ ‘True;’ he replied ‘Elijah is to come to see that everything is once more as it should be; however, I tell you that Elijah has come already and they did not recognize him but treated him as they pleased; and the Son of Man will suffer similarly at their hands.’ The disciples understood then that he had been speaking of John the Baptist.
Prayer over the Offerings
May the offerings we bring in celebration of blessed N.win your gracious acceptance, O Lord, we pray,just as the struggle of her suffering and passionwas pleasing to you.Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon: Rv 7: 17
The Lamb who is at the centre of the thronewill lead them to the springs of the waters of life.
Prayer after Communion
O God, who bestowed on blessed N. a crown among the Saintsfor her twofold triumph of virginity and martyrdom,grant, we pray, through the power of this Sacrament,that, bravely overcoming every evil,we may attain the glory of heaven.Through Christ our Lord.
Meditation
Advent is a season of preparation for the imminent arrival of the Lord, intended to evoke joy and celebration. However, in the gospel, Jesus predicts His impending passion and death. This is the very purpose for which He was born, and the cross is a sign of victory and glory. The names of Jesus, John the Baptist, and Elijah are mentioned, emphasising their roles as bearers of God’ truth despite facing revilement and death. They were, in essence, prophets. As Christians, particularly those who have been baptised and confirmed in the faith, our calling mirrors that of these biblical figures. Many of us, however, are afraid and ashamed of the cross of Christ, failing to fulfill our calling as prophets, messengers, servants, or mouthpieces of God. There is a need for introspection and a reconsideration of our commitment to this calling!