Without Jesus there would be no St. Nicholas.

06Dec
‘What do you think? A man had two sons; he went to the first and said, “Son, go and work in the vineyard today.” He answered, “I will not”; but later he changed his mind and went. The father went to the second and said the same; and he answered, “I go, sir”; but he did not go. Which of the two did the will of his father?’ They said, ‘The first.’ Jesus said to them, ‘Truly I tell you, the tax-collectors and the prostitutes are going into the kingdom of God ahead of you. For John came to you in the way of righteousness and you did not believe him, but the tax-collectors and the prostitutes believed him; and even after you saw it, you did not change your minds and believe him.
- Matthew 21:28-32

December 6 is St. Nicholas Day, celebrated in many parts of the world with festivities and gifts for children. St. Nicholas was born around 280 AD, and there are wonderful legends about him, which inspire our Santa Claus, the French Père Noël, the Italian Babbo Natale, and many others! A friend of mine told me that when he asked his dad, “Is there really a Santa Claus?” his dad answered “Yes, son. Santa Claus is the Spirit of Giving.” And St. Nicholas inspired these heart-warming Christmas celebrations of gift-giving that we enjoy.

But without Jesus there would be no St. Nicholas, and no Christmas. And Jesus Himself is sometimes pretty tough-minded, as in the verses above. It’s easy to feel comfortable with the Baby in the manger. But Jesus of the parables? This one leaves me with a lot to think about. For one thing, those dear people in my life who seem to say “No” to God, never go to church, and yet do more for others than I will ever do–what about them? Jesus is saying, like the first son in the parable, they are closer to doing his will than I am. He seems to be asking me, will I go and do His will? What’s the next right thing for me to do today? I was even resistant to writing this meditation! Help me God, to do Your will always.   

Musical Reflection - Personent Hodie - Loyola Academy Chamber Chorale

Grant, Almighty God, that your church may be so inspired by the example of your servant Nicholas of Myra, that it may never cease to work for the welfare of children, the safety of sailors, the relief of the poor, and the help of those tossed by tempests of doubt or grief; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
- Lesser Feasts and Fasts
Gospel
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#christmas #stnicholas

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