Today, we celebrate the feast of St. Nicholas. Families around the country remember this great saint by leaving out shoes the night before and filling them with treats. They do this because legend tells us that on three separate occasions, St. Nicholas, the bishop of Myra living in the early 300s, took pity on a widower with three daughters.
At Nicholas’ time, the families of young women traditionally gave money, or a dowry, to the man the daughter was to marry. But the girls’ father had little money and could not offer this. Therefore, his daughters were in danger of being forced into prostitution. St. Nicholas knew of the man’s dilemma and took it upon himself to help him anonymously.
On three separate nights, Nicholas tossed a bag of gold through an open window and into the house. Each time, the bags supposedly landed in shoes that were drying by the fire.
That is why we celebrate by leaving shoes out every December 6. We honor and remember St. Nicholas by perpetuating a giving spirit within our families.
Yet we can extend this giving spirit by caring for the poor in our communities as well. St. Nicholas’ generosity, rooted in his love for Jesus Christ and His Church, teaches us valuable lessons about how we should treat others.
So as we prepare for this joyous feast day, let us also think about how we can fill metaphorical shoes with what the people in our communities truly need. By practicing some of the Corporal Works of Mercy, we can act in the person of St. Nicholas and alleviate the burden that many are facing this holiday season.
Feed the hungry
Now that Advent has begun, and Christmas is just around the corner, it’s much easier to see needs within our communities. Make this a joyful Christmas for a family who has very little. Take food donations to shelters or to food pantries. Volunteer to serve meals at a homeless shelter or a shelter for single moms. Bake meals or treats for your parish priest, who is likely overwhelmed with responsibilities this season. Remember that no one should ever go hungry.
Visit the sick
If you have ever stayed a significant time in a hospital or been confined to your home for a health reason, you know how lonely it can be. Sometimes you feel forgotten; you may have even felt like a burden. Visit residents in a nursing home or hospital, or take time to visit someone who is homebound. Your time will mean so much to them. Take a special card or gift to further brighten their days and to serve as a remembrance of your love.
Give alms to the poor
Think about the joy and relief felt by the father whom St. Nicholas helped. The financial burden must have weighed heavily on him, and the thought of his daughters entering a dangerous lifestyle must have crushed him. Most of us have riches we can spare, even if minor. Take a name or two off a giving tree and purchase a Christmas gift for this person. Adopt a family and buy some Christmas presents for them. Find a store with layaway and pay off someone’s toy purchase. All of these things will help alleviate the financial stress that many families feel this time of year.
Visit the imprisoned
A prison ministry is not for everyone, and it can be terribly intimidating or even frightening to visit someone in prison. That’s why the Order of Malta has a prison ministry where people can write to prisoners instead of visiting them in person. While many in prisons have done terrible things, we must remember that no one is unforgivable, and no one is beyond redemption. Take the time to offer words of encouragement and Christ’s love to those who may feel hopeless, especially at this time of year.
St. Nicholas’ example of generosity and love for his fellow man has lasted and grown over 1700 years. When we remember him and his kind works by perpetuating this love within our communities, we ensure that his generosity will last indefinitely.
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Legend holds that St. Nick also resuscitated some children who had been murdered by an inn keeper and preserved in brine. With “modernity,” reality and legend switch places: brine in legendary yesteryear; formaldehyde displays in labs today. And worse, an abortion technique of choice today is a fatal saline solution. Brine by another name, and now mifepristone.
The technical “progress” of sixteen centuries comes with the legend that this is “health care.” “The hour is coming for everyone who kills you to think that he is offering worship to God” (John 16:2).
Adding to the corporal works of mercy is being pro-life. Actually, it’s elementary justice.
Having written previously that I at times wished for some outrage from our bishops I have always liked the story/legend that Bishop Nicholas slapped Arius at the Council of Nicea.
Dynamic Nicholas has been a renowned change-maker for centuries. Year after year, the legendary Nicky brings joy to millions of kids worldwide. May his tribe increase.
Thank you, Author Ms. Susan Ciancio, for this gentle,uplifting reminder of the generous Bishop Saint Nicholas and how we can imitate his good works by performing Works of Mercy.
I’ve not wanted to lie (Com. 8), so I’d tell children St Nick was a generous Bishop who helped children(& sailors). I’d always celebrate his Feast day with candy canes for them(-like his Bishop’s crosier). I’d say we can keep that spirit at Christmas time-as Jesus is God’s perfect Gift to mankind.
We’d sometimes Christmas carol at elder residences & around elderly people’s homes. We’d bake & donate whatever we had in excess for those in need.
And Jesus’ Birthday was about Our Savior, Christ the King’s Birth.
We attended Masses and feasted with families and mailed cards.
(Unfortunately, caving in to societal pressure( ie the world& the devil), I told them St Nick brought the toy(s), though). To lessen the blow discovering truth, everyone else was given credit for their gifts. And cute handwritten thank-you notes followed.
In my Church ministry I’ve begun writing to youngsters in a local detention facility. There are lots of Catholics in prison ministry, donating time fearlessly-faith drove out fear! The kids’ rediscovery of faith has inspired prison workers to even buy Bibles! A little witness has endless possibilities for conversion/reversion!Christ is our Light, our Hope, and our Anchor (HEB. 6:13-19(THBDRV).