Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, in today’s Holy Mass, as we celebrate the feast of Saint Nicholas, we are reminded not only of the kindness and generosity of this beloved saint but also of the profound call that God places in each of our lives—just as He called the prophet Isaiah and the disciples in today’s gospel.
In the reading from Isaiah, we encounter a powerful vision. Isaiah stands in awe of the holiness of God, and in that glorious moment, he recognizes his own unworthiness. He exclaims, “Woe is me, I am doomed!” Yet, in this moment of humility, God reaches out to him, purging his sins and asking, “Whom shall I send?” Isaiah responds, “Here I am; send me!” This powerful phrase echoes throughout the ages, continuing to inspire countless souls to answer God’s call.
Now let us turn our thoughts to Saint Nicholas. Born in the 4th century, Nicholas was known for his kindness and compassion towards the poor and downtrodden. Much like Isaiah, he understood his mission. He recognized that the Kingdom of God was at hand and that he was called to be a laborer in God’s harvest. The essence of what we celebrate today can be found in how Saint Nicholas answered that call.
The gospel reading from Luke outlines Jesus' instructions to the seventy-two disciples: they were to accept their mission with humility, to travel light, to proclaim peace, and to serve those they met. Nicholas exemplified this call by dedicating his life to helping those in need. Legend tells us of his secretive gift-giving—leaving gold coins to provide dowries for poor girls, which helped them avoid a life of servitude. In doing so, he acted as Christ's loving messenger, distributing gifts of love and highlighting the importance of generosity in building the Kingdom of God on earth.
The transformation of Saint Nicholas into the figure of Santa Claus teaches us that the spirit of giving, rooted in faith and compassion, transcends time and cultural boundaries. In many ways, Saint Nicholas became synonymous with the joy of giving; the traditions we see today, of Santa bringing gifts, are a reflection of the generosity he originally bestowed upon the world.
The connection between our readings and the life of Saint Nicholas challenges us to consider how we can respond to the divine call in our own lives. Each of us, like Isaiah, has been touched by God. Each of us, like the seventy-two disciples, has been given the opportunity to share the message of God's love and peace. As we recall the life and legacy of Saint Nicholas, let us ask ourselves: How can we be laborers of love in our own communities? How can we find ways to bring joy to those who are suffering? To what degree do we echo Isaiah’s response of, "Here I am; send me!" in our everyday lives?
On this feast of Saint Nicholas, may we embrace the spirit of giving, respond faithfully to God's call, and become instruments of His peace and love in the world. Let us pray for the courage to carry our own “gold coins”—our talents, kindness, and time—to those who are in desperate need. In doing so, we honor the legacy of Saint Nicholas and become participants in the ongoing story of Christ’s love that began with His birth and continues in our lives today.
Through the intercession of Saint Nicholas and his Queen, our Mother Mary, may Almighty God shower upon you and your loved ones today his healing blessings of love, in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Go in peace to love and serve him just as Saint Nicholas did. Amen.
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