Generous Sharing

(Note...looks like the posting time has changed again so that this slice will appear a day late.  Sorry.)

Appropriately, the Gospel story of  the multiplication of the loaves and fishes occurs today, the Memorial of St. Nicholas, so noted for his generous gift-giving that he has taken a place in the Christmas observances in several countries, as Father Christmas, Pere Noel and  notably in  our own, as Santa Claus.
 Jesus multiplied the loaves and fish to feed the great crowd who had been with him for three days with nothing to eat.  Jesus asked what food was available and learned they had seven loaves and a few fish, according to Matthew's account. (cf. Mt 15:29-37).  No where enough to feed everybody.  He took what they had, blessed it and watched the disciples distribute it.  All were satisfied, leaving seven baskets of left-over fragments.
St. Nicholas, according to tradition, inherited a substantial fortune, which he distributed to people in need even before he became bishop.  He is remembered for providing the dowries for three young women whose father was considering prostitution as a financial recourse due to their poverty, by tossing bags of gold coins through their window.  Even today, "gold" (chocolate filled) coins are distributed on this day.  St. Nicholas is the patron saint of Russia and Greece, and is one of the major saints in the Eastern Church. We might follow his generosity by sharing whatever we can ...spiritually and materially with those who have less during this Advent Season.
Bro .Rene