(c.283-c.304) Lucy, whose name means “light,” was born to wealthy Christian parents of Greek ancestry in Syracuse, Sicily. She consecrated herself to God but was arranged to be married. She refused. Lucy’s rejected pagan bridegroom turned her in as a Christian, and she was sentenced to forced prostitution. The men sent to arrest Lucy mysteriously could not move her. She was tortured and had her eyes gouged out, and they attempted to burn her alive, but the fire went out. Lucy was finally martyred by being stabbed in the throat.
Honesty is an indispensable spiritual principle for recovery. We shed light on our reality. The darkness of addiction would like to sweep everything under the rug, stay hidden and secret.
“For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light, for light produces every kind of goodness and righteousness and truth. Take no part in the fruitless works of darkness” (Ephesians 5:8-9, 11). What does it mean to “live in the light”?
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket; it is set on a lampstand, where it gives light to all in the house. Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father” (Matthew 5:14-16).
Reflection by Brad Farmer