December 6, St. Nicholas

Our God will come to save us! — Isaiah 35:4

Mass reading: Isaiah 35:1-10 / Luke 5:17-26

Hope for Better Days 

For nine years I lived in the heart of the northern Mexico desert. Having born the summer heat and the chill of winter frosts, the transformation of the desert at spring time is a marvel to behold, a reminder that no matter how hard life is there is hope for better days. 

That’s what we celebrate in Advent: the coming of new life in Jesus. The men who scrambled up the walls of the adobe house to lower their friend into the midst of the crowd are symbols of that same hope. No matter the desperateness of the times or the seriousness of our sins, our hope is in Jesus, Who so delights in the healing that forgiveness brings. 

Prayer: On this feast of St. Nicholas, Lord, help us bring our gifts of love and peace to the needy.