Homily for the Memorial of St. Lucy

Jesus was a perceptive observer of people, often using everyday images from their daily lives to illustrate the kingdom of God. In today's Gospel, He mentioned children playing in the marketplaces. At times, they played joyfully, pretending to play pipes while others danced to the music. At other times, their games reflected the sorrows of life, perhaps stemming from having witnessed the death of an elderly family member. Some children sang mournful songs while others cried in response. However, some children refused to engage at all.

These unresponsive children reminded Jesus of indifferent adults. They showed no signs of mourning in response to John the Baptist's stern message, nor did they dance in response to Jesus' more joyful message. They dismissed John, calling him possessed, and labeled Jesus as a glutton and a drunkard.

Jesus identified His ministry with the piper and the dance. His life and message represent good news—the Good News of God's love for us.