Saint Nicholas

Sermon: ADVENT 1, THURSDAY, DAILY MASS:
PSALM 118:19-24; ISAIAH 26:1-6; MATTHEW 7:21-27

Today is the Feast of Saint Nicholas. Devotion to Saint Nicholas was enormous in parts of Europe in the early days of this country, and it is through his name in Dutch that most people now know of Saint Nicholas as Santa Claus. The images of the man in the big red suit bringing gifts to children stem from the fact that Nicholas is the patron saint of children.

Our reading from Isaiah today states :Open the gates, that the righteous nation which keeps faith may enter in.: The legends of Santa Claus tell of him coming into people's houses and leaving a variety of different gifts. Nobody ever puts a lock on the door or the chimney to try to keep Santa out. Who knows what gifts he might bring.

I think that image works well both with the open mission of the church. Throughout this Advent, I pray that all churches will open their doors to whomever might come through. Each of us brings many different gifts that God has given us to help spread the Gospel, and the same is true about everyone who walks through those doors. May our hearts and hands be open to the new people who enter our lives, our churches and our mission this Advent.