Saint Nicholas of Myra (traditionally 15 March 270 – 6 December 343) was also known as Nicholas of Bari. He was an early Christian bishop of the ancient Greek maritime city of Myra in Asia Minor (modern-day Demre, Turkey) during the time of the Roman Empire. Because of the many miracles attributed to his intercession, he is also known as Nicholas the Wonderworker. Saint Nicholas is the patron saint of sailors, merchants, archers, repentant thieves, prostitutes, children, brewers, pawnbrokers, and students in various cities and countries around Europe. His reputation evolved among the faithful and his legendary habit of secret gift-giving gave rise to the traditional model of Santa Claus.
The gospel passage proposed for today recounts a moment when Jesus encountered two blind men who were calling out for help. He truly wanted to help them - as he always wishes to help us too - but needed to test their sincerity so he asked them: Do you believe that I can do this? (Mt 9:28) When they responded affirmatively, Jesus granted their request.
Like Saint Nicholas, we too are sometimes called upon to do good for others even at times in secret, yet we do good not for the sake of gaining any personal reward, but rather because at some point, we ourselves have heard the Lord ask us: Do you believe? ... and in return we have received good gifts that far outmeasure our own sense of entitlement. Having received such goodness, we ourselves should always seek out others so that we can pay the blessings forward. May Saint Nicholas help us to do this with great joy.
Have a great day.
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