Friday of the First Week of Advent 2024

Today is commonly known as the Feast of St. Nicholas, a bishop in Myrna in the 4^th century. Not much is known about his life, but he was known for being generous. A legend says that he saved three girls from prostitution by throwing bags of gold into the house of their family. Somehow stories have come down through the centuries to connect this bishop with our current idea of Santa Claus- the giver of gifts at Christmas.

In today’s Gospel, Jesus saved the two blind men from a life of blindness by his healing. This was a precious gift that changed their lives forever. When they left the house where Jesus healed them, they began to tell everyone of this precious gift they had received. After all, everyone they met would have noticed the difference. Instead of feeling their way along the road, they now walked straight, marveling at all they saw. All because of Jesus and his miraculous gift to them.

In this Advent season we often focus on gift giving. Today let us take time to reflect on the marvelous gifts we have been given. Yes, our sight, our families, our health and so much more. Let us especially appreciate the gift of faith that leads us to God and guides our every action each day.