St. Nick

A very popular name for boys over the past few years has been "Nick."  Like Santa Claus, it is derived from Nicholas, Bishop of Myra in what is now modern Turkey.  He is the patron of the Byzantine Melkite Church and is celebrated today along with us in the Roman Rite, but given much greater attention. The Russian Orthodox Church honors him even above the Apostles and holds him as one of the Patron Saints of Russia.  With all the lore about Santa, the reindeer, Mrs. Santa and the elves, there's no need for contemporary society to delve too deeply into the life of St. Nicholas, and he seems to be brushed aside,  but as we pursue our Advent journey it might be helpful to keep alive his spirit of generosity, especially towards children.  There are many organizations raising money to help families for Christmas, and although we can't help them all, when we do give,  we can recall that what we are doing is continuing the kind of ministry that has made him so beloved. May he inspire us to be more open to responding to the tinkling bells at shopping centers and the flood of envelopes asking for help that accompany our incoming Christmas cards.
Bro. Rene