DECEMBER 6 [St. Nicholas]
The dramatic powers given by Jesus to the original twelve apostles are not quite what we subsequent disciples have been called to do. However, we have the same task of proclaiming that "the Kingdom of heaven is at hand." It is not "pie in the sky, by and by!"
The majestic scriptures from Isaiah promise a great harvest in a great land, but this is not a political vision. The Advent season isn't promising a political kingdom, but rather a kingdom of love of God and neighbor. This kingdom is one of flesh and blood witnesses for the one whose birth we are preparing to celebrate liturgically. But if our celebration is liturgical only and not "incarnate" in the way we proclaim the Kingdom, then we are surely remiss. The Advent/Christmas season is difficult for those who have few resources to share or who have suffered a significant loss during the past year. The HOPE we can offer has to be more than a jolly figure in a sled full of presents on the roof. St. NIcholas was known for his practical charity.
Attentiveness to the needs of others in this season will "put skin on" the Kingdom and personify the HOPE we proclaim liturgically! AMEN