St. Nicholas: Pray for us! đ
Dear John, Good morning, good people! Let me close out this week by saying this: We pray for and deeply appreciate our donors. There is no Franciscan Media without you. This is the 26th day of our Rebuilding Godâs Church, $125K match campaign that will run through Easter of next year! Click here to support our efforts. Today is a special day for Catholics: The Feast of St. Nicholas! Though much of his life is shrouded in mystery, this much we know: He was generous, self-sacrificing, and fueled by the grace of God. Centuries later, we recognize and celebrate St. Nick's holiness, and we at Franciscan Media try our level best to continue to provide hope to those who need it. He understood that a happy life must be built on a foundation of love that can only come from God. In this season of hopeful anticipation, I am thankful for luminaries like St. Nicholas who, in his life, sought to rebuild the Church and then bring people to it. At Franciscan Media, that is our mission as well. Please join us! |
Deacon Matthew Halbach, PhD
President & Publisher, Franciscan Media
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Saint of the Day for December 6:
Nicholas (March 15, 270 â December 6, 343) Listen to Saint Nicholasâ Story Here The absence of the âhard factsâ of history is not necessarily an obstacle to the popularity of saints, as the devotion to Saint Nicholas shows. Both the Eastern and Western Churches honor him, and it is claimed that after the Blessed Virgin, he is the saint most pictured by Christian artists. And yet historically, we can pinpoint only the fact that Nicholas was the fourth-century bishop of Myra, a city in Lycia, a province of Asia Minor. As with many of the saints, however, we are able to capture the relationship which Nicholas had with God through the admiration which Christians have had for himâan admiration expressed in the colorful stories which have been told and retold through the centuries. Perhaps the best-known story about Nicholas concerns his charity toward a poor man who was unable to provide dowries for his three daughters of marriageable age. Rather than see them forced into prostitution, Nicholas secretly tossed a bag of gold through the poor manâs window on three separate occasions, thus enabling the daughters to be married. Over the centuries, this particular legend evolved into the custom of gift-giving on the saintâs feast. In the English-speaking countries, Saint Nicholas became, by a twist of the tongue, Santa Clausâfurther expanding the example of generosity portrayed by this holy bishop. Reflection The critical eye of modern history makes us take a deeper look at the legends surrounding Saint Nicholas. But perhaps we can utilize the lesson taught by his legendary charity, look deeper at our approach to material goods in the Christmas season, and seek ways to extend our sharing to those in real need. Saint Nicholas is a Patron Saint of: Bakers
Brides and Grooms
Children
Greece
Pawnbrokers
Travelers
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Advent with the Saints: Nicholas The legends of Nicholas involve his generosity to those in need. The most famous story involves how he anonymously tossed a bag of money through a window to provide the dowry of a young woman who would otherwise be forced into an unpleasant marriage. The details of Nicholasâs life are few; but legends often have a kernel of truth, and if so, he forms a worthy basis for reflection during this season of preparation for Christmas. Jesusâ earthly ministry was full of unexpected and surprising gifts. In the Gospels he offers the gift of healing and forgiveness to a man who comes, not through the window, but through the roof, to encounter Jesus. The dramatic scene of a paralyzed figured being lowered into a dim and dusty circle of people, to the feet of Jesus, parallels the dramatic âbreaking inâ of Godâs reign. The prophet Isaiah in todayâs First Reading points to such dramatic transformations. Advent is a time to expect Godâs intervention in our lives. It may be dramatic orâmore typicallyâquiet and perhaps not immediately evident. God may even use a bit of stealth, as the legendary Nicholas did, to gift us. May we keep the windows of our hearts open! âadapted from the book Advent with the Saints: Daily Reflections
by Greg Friedman, OFM |
The Joy of Minimalism Reflect Simplicity brings clarity and joy, freeing us from the burdens of excess. St. Francis found joy in a life of minimalism, focusing on what truly mattered. By embracing simplicity, we can experience greater peace and contentment. Pray God of simplicity,
Help us to embrace a life of minimalism.
Teach us to find joy in the simple things
and to focus on what truly matters.
May we, like St. Francis, experience the peace and freedom
that comes from living simply.
Amen. Act Evaluate areas of your life where you can simplify. Remove unnecessary clutter and focus on the essentials that bring you joy and fulfillment. Share the benefits of simplicity with others and encourage them to embrace minimalism. Todayâs Pause+Pray was written by Paul Lipowski. Learn more here! |
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