St. Anne Advent Reflection for Dec 6th
The Feast Day of Saint Nicholas…
The Joy of Giving is in and of itself, a priceless gift
Readings for today: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/120624.cfm
By Tom Gaiten
The Joy of Giving is in and of itself, a priceless gift, we can selflessly give ourselves as we share with others. On the feast day of Saint Nicholas, the Bishop of Myra, we can reflect upon his life which inspired the modern day, Santa Claus. Becoming a ‘light’ in the life of others, especially, those most in need of help. Our Lord teaches us to have faith, hope and charity, the first of which is charity.
Unlike the Pharisees, give with a humble heart, discreetly for our reward is from God, not of this world. “The Lord is our Light and our Salvation”, so there is no reason to fear.
Saint Nicholas gave anonymously to those in need, not boastfully but generously and yet still was jailed. We too can be jailed, with closed hearts, looking away from those in need. Instead we can work to free ourselves from our sins and become generous givers. We can be that much needed light to the world. Then, like Saint Nicholas, who Jesus and Mary freed from prison miraculously, your chains of sin can too be left behind, as his were.
As we prepare ourselves this season, be earnest with your eyes set upon Christ and may you have the faith of Saint Nicholas as a cheerful and selfless giver!
Tom Gaitens is a former Grand Knight of Council 7220 and a long time Faith Formation teacher here at Saint Anne’s.