Saint Nicholas

Feast Day December 6
Patron Saint of Children

"How we react makes all the difference." One of the most difficult relationships members of the MMG might experience is with our prodigal loved ones. We have several options available (described below). Choose what works best in your situation.

Who Was St. Nicholas?

    On the eve of his feast day, it is tradition in some families for St. Nick to secretly leave oranges and nuts. The oranges are reminders of golden balls the saint is said to have tossed in the window of a poor man to save his daughters from slavery.
     St. Nicholas was a bishop who taught those around him to find Jesus in the poor and the abused. His charity was always linked to justice. As adults we sometimes witness injustice. Occasionally, we are victims of it. How we react makes all the difference. A friend was heartbroken due to unjust accusations, but, continues to work quietly for God's kingdom—and we all benefit.
     You and I may experience injustice in our relationships with our prodigal loved ones. When we learn they have chosen to not follow the practice of the Catholic Faith, our questions may be perceived as meddling, our words as preaching, our comments as nagging. Worse yet, we may be seen as placing blame on our prodigal's spouse, or friend. We may be victims of injustice. We may even be guilty of injustice toward others. What do we do about it?
      First, calm down, and pray.
     Next, forgive as Jesus tells us. If that seems impossible, we should pray, "Jesus, I really would like to forgive him/her; but I can't. So, I would like to forgive (or seek forgiveness) through you."
     Then, decide on a course of action. Prayerfully, consider: Confront the situation openly? Treat all parties with love and respect? Seek counseling? Step away completely for the good of all concerned? Hopefully, in relationships with our prodigals, the last choice will never be a final option.
     Finally, continue to pray that the movement of God becomes evident and peace and love will prevail.

Prayer to St Nicholas

Let us pray, St. Nicholas, come to our aid. Help us to treat God's people with respect and love, especially those prodigals whom we love so dearly. Also, help us to be kind to those they love. If we do suffer injustice, help us to remember that we stand in a holy place--in the footsteps of He who was crucified on false charges. Let us follow your example and find Jesus through prayer and to continue to love His people, no matter how we may be treated in this world. Dear Saint Nicholas, help us remember that Christmas is a feast of love, hope, kindness and generosity. Help us look forward to Santa's gifts, while welcoming that greatest gift of Christmas--our Savior. Help us to make our Advent holy. Let our greatest gift be our helping to bring light to the path back to Jesus and His Church so that those we love will find the way. Amen.