lessons from a wise girl

Today is the feast day of St. Lucia, patron saint of blindness.  This young girl was martyred for her Christian faith.  One particular part of her story should be resonated, especially during Advent, which is naturally a season of almsgiving. 

Though her mother had betrothed her to a pagan man, Lucia refused to marry because she had vowed her life to Christ.  In addition, she challenged her mother give her dowry to the poor rather than waiting to give it away on her deathbed, "...whatever you give away at death for the Lord's sake you give because you cannot take it with you. Give now to the true Savior, while you are healthy, whatever you intended to give away at your death."

When I read that quote attributed to St. Lucia, I thought of a friend of mine who after raising her three boys and at the age of forty, went back to college to get a teaching degree.  She and her husband were able to set aside money that they did not need for normal household expenses.  Recognizing the fact that not everyone who decides to return to college after raising children might be as fortunate to be able to afford it, my friend has taken steps to set up a trust fund for future adult students majoring in education at her alma mater.  She will set aside part of the paycheck she earns from teaching for the next five years to pad the trust fund.  Once established, it will be a perpetual gift for generations. 

No doubt the money someone would give away on their deathbed could bring aide to many people, but being charitable throughout life is a self-sacrificing way to die to the flesh and not focus on worldly goods.  It keeps us humble.  It helps us to rely on God and to see that everything we have is a gift.