Feast of St.Nicholas
Readings:
Isaiah 25: 6-10
Matthew 15: 29-37
Reflection:
I am always impressed by the quantity of food brought to church functions by individuals ‘bringing a plate’. There is ALWAYS plenty of food and food left over. I guess that is probably what occurred when people came to listen to Jesus. They packed some food and drink to sustain themselves. When Jesus and his disciples generously shared all they had: some loaves of bread and a couple of fish, others put their food on the common table as well, following Jesus’ example.
Emmanuel means that God is always with us. Evidently, we all need to continually live into this reality until ALL people are accepted by everyone else as ‘holy ones’ (wholly one). As Matthew shows us today, in the story of the miraculous sharing of bread loaves, and fishes, the generosity and goodness of the Lord is seen working in Jesus. We need to get in on the act too. So many are waiting and longing for such inclusion. We all need to pray and act for Christ’s coming now in us and in our world in any way we can, large or small.
Today is the Feast of St Nicholas, Bishop, especially significant to our Orthodox Christian families. Born in Turkey, he died on December 6, 343 CE. Many stories and legends abound about his brave life and kind deeds, especially in offering gifts to ‘little ones’ – children, the poor, and the sick- not just at Christmas. Our various traditions of ‘Father Christmas’ developed from the myths retold about St Nicholas.
Today we reflect … we invite the Word to become Flesh again within each of us in whatever form our heart holds… What gifts do we discern within ourselves? What gifts do we recognize within others? Do we consider ‘the little ones’ who may need our care today? How can the generosity and goodness of the Lord be seen working in us today?
Pam Storey is a member of the Passionist Faith Community at Holy Cross, Templestowe, and one of the founding members of Passionist Companions. After a very active and varied family, church and working life, Pam is now focusing on developing a slow spirituality.