Homily: Feast of St. Nicholas

Feast of St. Nicholas (Mt. 18: 12-14) “God Help the Children”

St. Nicholas lived in the fourth century. The one fact that we know about him is that he was Bishop of Myra which would have been in present day Turkey.

Despite the fact this is all we know about his life he is one of the most popular of all the Saints. He has many churches named after him, maybe more than almost any other saint. He is as popular in the Orthodox church as he is in the Roman Church. He is the patron of Russia and Greece. He is also the patron of prostitutes and children which seems like a strange combination until we delve deeper into his story.

One legend has it that St. Nicholas saved three young women from a life of prostitution. Their father was poor and owed others a great deal of money. Bishop Nicholas threw three bags of gold in the man’s window so that women would be saved from lives of ill repute.

Another story about Nicholas revolves around a story of some children who were murdered by a maniac. The children were stabbed to death, but Nicholas intervened, and he brought the children back to life.

St. Nicholas was transformed into an elf like figure we now call Santa Claus. This popular tradition started in the Netherlands and was then taken to England and New York.

Nicholas’ intervention for children is sorely needed. Throughout history children have been exploited in many ways. Their rights have been secondary to those of adults.

When we think about how many children grow up in poverty in our country it is very sad. We have children who go to bed hungry and who lack adequate health care. We read in the newspaper every day how children are sexually exploited by adults. Also, they are physically and psychologically abused.

We ask that St. Nicholas would not only bring presents to our children, but that he will pray for the children of the world who suffer the most in times of war and natural disaster. St. Nicholas pray for them.

Reflection Questions:

1.    Have I ever celebrated the Feast of St. Nicholas? What memories do I have?

2.    What saddens me most about the plight of children in the world today? What can I do about it?

 Dear Parishioners,

           I would like to thank the social committee for sponsoring Deacon Mike Maynard’s and Matt Martel’s reception after their first Mass here at Sacred Heart last weekend. I would also like to thank the music ministers for helping make the Mass the beautiful liturgy it was.

          This weekend Matt and Mike will preach for the first time at Mass. I know they are very nervous about this. Please pray for them as they prepare.

          Remember that Thursday is the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. This is a Holy Day of Obligation so remember to come to Mass.

          May Our Lady pray for all of us during these Advent Days.

          Fr. Mark