Wednesday, December 6, 2023

(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.

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

Wednesday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time

(II Kings 2:1.6-14; Matthew 6:1-6.16-18)

“Is there a Santa Claus?” children ask.  If they are old enough, one might answer them saying, “It depends what you mean by Santa.”  Santa Claus is not a man who lives at the North Pole and making toys all year to take every boy and girl on Christmas Eve.  But Santa Claus may be thought of as God Himself who loves every child so much that He moves hundreds of millions of parents to express His affection for them.  The story of Elijah’s assumption into heaven told in the first reading may be seen in a similar way.

It is a fantastic tale.  The old Elijah is walking along with his young companion when a flaming chariot sweeps him into heaven.  Although biblical literalists consider it historical, more probably Elijah’s assumption is a figurative way of saying that he dies in God’s favor, perhaps with horses pulling his casket to its burial place.  The Old Testament is filled with such wondrous testimony – Methuselah living almost a thousand years and Ezekiel bringing dry bones to life. 

We should not be either defensive of or disillusioned by the story of Elijah’s assumption. Demythologizing it will not backslide into forsaking belief in Christ’s resurrection.  Much of the Old Testament serves as a type for the New.  What is presented there suggests what is to come in Christ.  Elijah, living more than eight hundred years before Christ, confirms the righteousness of God.  His leaving a double portion of his spirit on Elisha foreshadows Jesus’ sending the Holy Spirit with marvelous powers on his disciples.

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Wednesday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time

(II Kings 2:1.6-14; Matthew 6:1-6.16-18)

“Is there a Santa Claus?” children ask. If they are old enough, one might answer, “It depends what you mean by Santa.” Santa Claus is not a man who lives at the North Pole and takes toys to every boy and girl on Christmas Eve. But Santa Claus may be thought of as God Himself who loves every child so much that He moves hundreds of millions of parents to express His affection. The story of Elijah’s assumption into heaven told in the first reading may be seen in a similar way.

It is a fantastic tale. The old Elijah is walking along with his young companion when a flaming chariot sweeps him into heaven. Although biblical literalists consider it historical, more probably Elijah’s assumption is a figurative way of saying that he dies in God’s favor, perhaps with horses pulling his casket to its burial place. The Old Testament is filled with such wondrous testimony – Methuselah living almost a thousand years or Ezekiel bringing dry bones to life.

We should not be either defensive of or disillusioned by the story of Elijah’s assumption. Demythologizing it will not backslide into forsaking belief in Christ’s resurrection. Much of the Old Testament serves as a type for the New. What is presented there hints at what is to come in Christ. Elijah, living more than eight hundred years before Christ, confirms the righteousness of God. His leaving a double portion of his spirit on Elisha foreshadows Jesus’ sending the Holy Spirit with marvelous powers on his disciples.