Feast of Saint Nicholas

“Jesus summoned his disciples and said, "My heart is moved with pity for the crowd, for they have been with me now for three days and have nothing to eat. I do not want to send them away hungry, for fear they may collapse on the way." The disciples said to him, "Where could we ever get enough bread in this deserted place to satisfy such a crowd?" Jesus said to them, "How many loaves do you have?" "Seven," they replied, "and a few fish." He ordered the crowd to sit down on the ground. Then he took the seven loaves and the fish, gave thanks, broke the loaves, and gave them to the disciples, who in turn gave them to the crowds. They all ate and were satisfied. They picked up the fragments left over–seven baskets full.” -Matthew 15:32-37

Today is the Feast of Saint Nicholas, a man who lived this Scripture passage and gave his material and spiritual wealth to those in need. Once we understand that everything we have is a gift from God, our hearts move with pity for the crowd in need that surrounds us. As we give of ourselves to our brothers and sisters, the Lord replenishes His grace by a factor far more significant than it was initially. We are expected to give of ourselves this time of year and often only give of our material wealth. But, if we offer the Lord all we have, Jesus multiplies our offering, gives it to the hungry, and leaves us with much more than we started with.

Saint Nicholas, pray for us.

Click on the Link for the Daily Reading.

Jesus, I trust in you!