December 13, 2012 
Memorial of Saint Lucy, Virgin and Martyr
Saint of the day
Saint Lucy (c.283-c.304)
Saint Lucy is a beloved saint in Rome and Sicily. She died a martyr around the year 304. She gave herself totally to Christ in all things. The reading for her feast points to pure speech and service to the Lord. "At that time I will change the speech of the peoples to a pure speech, that all of them may call on the name of the Lord and serve him with one accord." (Zephaniah 3:9) (Taken from "Take Ten: Daily Bible Reflections for Teens.")
Reflection
All of us can clean up our language and be more careful of how we talk with one another. Avoiding vulgar language is one way to show respect for others, and it certainly leads others to see us as people who call on the name of the Lord and serve the Lord with our whole being. During Advent, make a concerted effort to be a person of pure speech. (Taken from “Take Ten: Daily Bible Reflections for Teens.”)
Prayer
Bless the words of my mouth, O God, that I may resist the desire to tear others down. Help me keep my heart pure and my words supportive, encouraging, and hopeful. (Taken from “Good News Day by Day: Bible Reflections for Teens.”)
Liturgical season information
Lectionary: 184
Place in Year: Advent
Color of decorations and priest's vestments: Red
Daily readings
Reading 1: Isaiah 41:13-20
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 145:1 and 9, 10-11, 12-13ab
Gospel: Matthew 11:11-15
View complete readings on USCCB.orgMeditations
Meditation for Gospel
John the Baptist is the connection between the Old and New Testaments. Throughout the Old Testament, many prophets are sent to tell the Israelites about God's plan for them. John the Baptist is the last prophet - and all the prophecies conclude in his lifetime, in the person of Jesus Christ. He is given the honor of immediately preparing the way for Jesus, the long-awaited Messiah. Jesus tells us that John the Baptist is both the greatest human ever born, yet the least in the Kingdom will be greater than him. This is because anyone and anything under the Old Covenant, the promises of the Old Testament, is not as great as the least of those under the New Covenant of love and grace that Jesus establishes. John the Baptist is killed before Jesus' salvific act takes place, and before the Kingdom of Heaven is established. Therefore, John the Baptist dies under the promises of the covenant of the Old Testament! Of course, John the Baptist is in heaven now - by the grace of Jesus' Paschal Mystery all the holy men and women under the Old Covenant have been saved, as well.
