Happy St. Nicholas Day! This was always one of my favorite feast days growing up. My mom would have us draw names among siblings and we would exchange gifts at breakfast time. It was so fun to go shopping for one of my brothers or sisters and try to keep it a secret, and then finally find out who had gotten me a little something as well. It was kind of like a sneak peak of Christmas without having to wait three more loooong weeks.
When I went on to have children of my own, I named one of them after this great saint. As they got a little older, I found an animated short film about St. Nicholas and we all learned more about him. I realized what a generous spirit he had and how he was always looking out for the less fortunate. As with all of my children who are named after holy ones that have gone before us, I hope my Nicholas will grow up to emulate his virtues. Because today isn’t just about celebrating the precursor to Santa Claus or getting an early taste of Christmas presents, it’s about imitating the good example of others, both those who lived centuries ago and those who are still in our midst today.
As a mom, I often hear the phrase “It takes a village…” meaning, it takes more than just the parents to raise a child; it also takes neighbors, the community, the parish, etc. I like to think about it in a different way. I like to imagine the “village” as the communion of saints: Those in heaven who have taught us how to live out the virtues and are now praying for us, and those here on earth who are striving to become saints themselves. I want these positive role models to be the ones who help me raise my children.
I couldn’t explain it any better than today’s first reading does: “When his children see the work of my hands in his midst, they shall keep my name holy; they shall reverence the Holy One of Jacob, and be in awe of the God of Israel. Those who err in spirit shall acquire understanding, and those who find fault shall receive instruction.”
Today I ask the Lord to open the eyes of all of His children, just as He opened the eyes of the two blind men in the Gospel, that we may be aware of the good things all around us. May our hearts take in that goodness and kindness and generosity day after day, so that we may one day be counted among the saints.
Daily Reading
Fourth Sunday of Advent
Reading I Mi 5:1-4a Thus says the LORD: You, Bethlehem-Ephrathah too small to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for…
Saint of the Day
Blessed Jacopone da Todi
Jacopone da Todi, “Crazy Jim,” transformed from a worldly man to a devoted Franciscan, known for “Stabat Mater” hymn and spiritual courage.
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