The virtue of generosity leads us to give to one
another without concern for the consequences. In a marriage, a generous couple
give to each other daily in small and large ways, through acts of service as
well as material gifts. Together, they give
to others who are in need, according to their means. Clear vision is important to the moral life
because it helps us to determine right from wrong. Evil darkens and muddies our vision; when we
see clearly, we can more easily choose the good.
St. Lucy (Santa Lucia), whose name means “light,” exemplified
the virtue of generosity in her life, as well as the virtue of clear vision.
Born into a rich noble Roman family in Syracuse, Sicily, Lucy inherited a large
dowry from her father. Refusing to marry, she consecrated her virginity and
life to God, and distributed her dowry among the poor. She
worked diligently to bring food and drink to her fellow Catholics hiding in the
underground catacombs. She was martyred during the persecution of Christians by
Diocletian. Sicilians have a deep devotion to St. Lucy, who miraculously
intervened to end the Sicilian famine of 1582 on her feast day, December 13.
Dear Lord, through the intercession of St. Lucy, please increase the virtues of generosity and clear vision in this couple, so that they may avoid evil, be generous in the performance of good works, and hate the blindness and the darkness of evil and sin. Please grant them a spirit of generosity and mutual service to one another. Amen.
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