Memorial of St. Nicholas, bishop
(Isaiah 35:1-10; Luke 5:17-26)
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. Used for dowries, the
money enabled the girls to marry happily. Because of tales like this, St.
Nicholas morphed into Santa Claus. As
such, he is the most famous gift-giver of all, except, of course, 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 rescuing His people from captivity. He not only
frees them but turns their return through a perilous desert into what sounds
like a Holiday cruise. Similarly, in
today’s gospel Jesus not only heals a paralytic. More importantly, he forgives the man the
guilt he bears for his sins.
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 forgiveness.
His sacrifice made up for our sins so that we no longer stand in guilt. We must confess our sins, it is true. We also should show our allegiance to Jesus
by following his ways.
