Saint Nicholas lived in the 4th century and was the Catholic bishop.

He is traditionally depicted wearing his red bishops robe and mitre,

though his costume and story have morphed over time into

that of the modern Santa Clause, the secular patron of Christmas gift-giving.

 

St. Nicholas, bishop’

＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊     

Isaiah 29:17-24

In a very short time,

Lebanon will become a fruitful field and the fruitful field will be as a forest.

On that day the deaf will hear the words of the book, and out of the dark and obscurity the eyes of the blind will see.

The meek will find joy and the poor among men will rejoice in the Holy One of Israel.

For the tyrant will be no more and the scoffers gone forever, and all who plan to do evil will be cut down-those

who by a word make you guilty, those who for a bribe can lay a snare and send home the just empty-handed.

 

Therefore Yahweh, Abraham's redeemer, speaks concerning the people of Jacob:

No longer will Jacob be ashamed; no longer will his face grow pale.

When he sees the work of my hands, his children again in his midst,

they will sanctify my name, they will sanctify the Holy One of Jacob, and stand in awe of the God of Israel.

Those who err in spirit will understand; those who murmur will learn.

 

Ps 27:1, 4, 13-14 The Lord is my light and my salvation.

 

＊＊＊ Gospel ＊＊＊      

Matthew 9:27-31

As Jesus moved on from there, two blind men followed him, shouting, "Son of David, help us!" When he was about to enter the house,

the blind men caught up with him; and Jesus said to them, "Do you believe that I am able to do what you want?" They answered, "Yes, sir!"

Then Jesus touched their eyes and said, "As you have believed, so let it be." And their eyes were opened.

Then Jesus gave them a stern warning, "Be careful that no one knows about this."

But as soon as they went away, they spread the news about him through the whole area.

 

Gospel Reflection ：

"Salvation through faith." 

Advent season shows the inseparability of faith, light and salvation. During this period of waiting, we are summoned to grow in faith.

This is also the season of light because we are preparing ourselves to commemorate the birth of Jesus who is the Light of the world.

This is the time to welcome Jesus as our Savior.

Today's pericope narrates Jesus healing the two blind men.

 

While performing the healing miracle, Jesus said that such healing would be done for them as they have believed.

The Greek verb used is genethető, which means "let it be done." This verb is in the divine passive,

a passive voice of which the action is understood to have been caused by God.

God is the one who was behind the healing of the two blind men.

 

Nevertheless, faith has been required of them.

Jesus brought salvation upon the two blind men because of their faith. We experience salvation through faith. Furthermore,

it is through faith that we can overcome the darkness of fear.

Now then, as we long for the Lord's coming, we sing with the psalmist:

"The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear." (Ps 27:1)