Memorial
of St. Nicholas, bishop
(Isaiah
40:1-11; Matthew 18:12-14)
St.
Nicholas, the fourth century bishop of Myra in southwestern Asia Minor (now
Turkey), was legendary for his pastoral care.
In one story he throws bags of gold into the home of three impoverished
girls to save them from prostitution.
The money was used for dowries, and the three girls were happily married. Because of tales like this St. Nicholas morphed
into Santa Claus, the most famous gift-giver of all, except, of course, for God
himself.
Although
charming, the stories about St. Nicholas pale in comparison to the generosity
shown by God. In today’s first reading the
prophet Isaiah envisions God liberating His people from captivity in
Babylon. Liberation occurs in the sixth
century B.C., and, again, in the life of Jesus.
As today’s gospel indicates, Jesus becomes the Good Shepherd who rescues
sinners from perdition.
Although
children are too often indulged with candy, a little treat along with a hearty
catechesis is in order today. We want to
teach our young of Jesus’ gift of himself which is far more ingratiating. His love brings us eternal happiness.
