(Optional) Memorial of Saint Nicholas, bishop
(Isaías 25: 6-10a; Matthew 15:29-37)
Considered a great saint in the eastern church, Nicholas is
perhaps more universally known in the West.
Our Santa Claus is derived from this holy bishop renowned also for his
generosity. Whatever charity he
bestowed, St. Nicholas would probably say that he was only doing what Jesus
asks in the gospel.
Today’s passage shows Jesus tirelessly curing all the people’s
ills. Exhausting his disciples, he asks
them what could be given the people for sustenance. When they indicate that their provisions are scant,
he demonstrates the unlimited amount of his supply. Confidently he takes the seven loaves and two
fish, gives thanks to his Father in heaven, and has it distributed among the
people. Of course, the whole multitude eats
more than enough.
God is magnanimous with us.
He gives us more than we need to work out salvation. It is good that we have a figure like Santa
Claus indicating the bounty of God. But
it’s also a shame that he has replaced the Christ child as the central figure
of Christmas in many homes.
