12/06/2023
Happy Feast of Saint Nicholas.
COLLECT PRAYER
Optional Memorial of St. Nicholas: We humbly implore your mercy, Lord: protect us in all dangers through the prayers of the Bishop Saint Nicholas, that the way of salvation may lie open before us. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever.
Amen
From the Saints:
Children, I beseech you to correct your hearts and thoughts, so that you may be pleasing to God.
- St. Nicholas of Myra -
The giver of every good and perfect gift has called upon us to mimic Gods giving, by grace, through faith, and this is not of ourselves.
- St. Nicholas of Myra -
Do your gift receiving skills need an upgrade? Saint Nicholas, a 4th century bishop is said to have placed gold coins in socks that were hanging on a clothesline so that a father would have dowry for his three daughters, giving us the tradition of Christmas stockings. Filling stockings requires planning to fill the toe, to protect the more fragile goodies, to make sure the smallest offerings do not get lost. Take some time to reflect on the gifts—the possessions, talents, skills and companions God has given you. What’s underused or unrecognized? When someone offers you help, do you accept the kindness or do you feel you are being judged as less than capable or underappreciated? Today’s gospel tells of Jesus feeding the crowd with a few loaves of bread and some fish. In God’s abundant mercy and love, we are called to be gracious in giving and receiving.
Reflections By: Fran McManus, RSM
PRAY
Dear Jesus, grant me the grace to seek you ardently. Help me to find you in new ways in my life this Advent season. And then, once I have found you, give me the grace to be ever faithful to you. Amen.
LIVE
In imitation of Saint Nicholas, give a gift to someone in need. Perhaps drop off a few items at a local food pantry or homeless shelter.
