Our Lord describes to the disciples his sadness at the blindness of those who did not recognize John the Baptist as the return of the prophet Elijah, so revered and so awaited. Likewise, Christ describes that He, the Son of Man, will not be recognized and will suffer at the hands of those who fail to see who He truly is. Hearing these words, the prayer of the psalm becomes all the more urgent as we seek to truly see and to recognize the Lord who comes to us: “Lord, make us turn to you; let us see your face and we shall be saved.” (see Psalm 80:4)
How fitting it is that today the Church celebrates the feast of Saint Lucy, patron saint of eye sight. Saint Lucy, from Syracuse in Sicily, was martyred at a young age in her home city in the last persecution of Christianity in the Roman Empire. It is said that as part of her torture and execution, Saint Lucy was blinded and yet had her vision restored by the Lord. More telling are the accounts of her responses to the judges at her trial which revealed how clearly Saint Lucy could see the presence of Christ who strengthened her and who promised her the gift of the Holy Spirit. Let us ask this young, brave, clear-sighted saint to pray for us that we too may recognize Christ in our midst, particularly in dark and challenging times, and so rejoice to welcome Him when He comes! Saint Lucy, pray for us!