Commemoratio: Sabbato infra Hebdomadam I Adventus
Readings: Hebrews 13:7–17; Matthew 25:14–23
As the Church celebrates the feast of St. Nicholas, Bishop and Confessor, and continues her Advent journey, today’s readings from the Epistle to the Hebrews and St. Matthew’s Gospel present us with a profound meditation on pastoral fidelity, spiritual stewardship, and the expectation of Christ’s coming.
“Remember your prelates, who have spoken the word of God to you: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.”
(Hebrews 13:7)
The Apostle calls us to a holy remembrance—to contemplate the lives and teachings of our shepherds, particularly those who have passed into eternity. St. Nicholas, a model of apostolic zeal and episcopal courage, stands among them. He is not remembered for eloquence alone, but for the unwavering fidelity with which he governed his flock, defended the divinity of Christ against the Arians, and gave alms generously, even secretly. His “conversation,” that is, the entirety of his life, bore witness to the faith he professed.
St. John Chrysostom, himself a bishop and Father of the Church, reminds us:
“The priestly office is discharged on earth, but it ranks among heavenly ordinances… The priesthood is exercised in heaven itself.”
(De Sacerdotio, Book III)
In St. Nicholas, the high calling of the episcopate is made radiant. He was a man of orthodox doctrine, of sacrificial charity, and pastoral authority—all of which reflect the exhortation given later in the Epistle:
“Obey your prelates, and be subject to them. For they watch as being to render an account of your souls…” (Heb. 13:17)
Herein lies the grave responsibility of all Christian shepherds, but also of those entrusted with any stewardship, be it in the family, the Church, or society. This brings us to today’s Gospel: the parable of the talents (Matt. 25:14–23).
“Well done, good and faithful servant… Because thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will place thee over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.”
(Matt. 25:21)
The man who receives the talents is not praised for success, but for fidelity—for investing what he has been given for his master’s return. The Fathers see in this not only a call to virtue, but a warning. St. Gregory the Great says:
“To hide a talent in the earth is to devote the gift we have received to worldly business.”
(Homiliae in Evangelia, IX)
How timely this parable is in Advent. Each of us, in a certain sense, is a servant awaiting the return of the Master. We are stewards of grace, time, and gifts—some great, some few—but all are to be multiplied in the service of God and neighbor. St. Nicholas stands as one who multiplied his gifts for the good of the Church. He used his episcopal authority not for his own exaltation, but in defense of orthodox faith and the poor in need.
The Advent commemoration, this Saturday within the First Week, subtly reminds us that the Lord’s return is not merely an image—it is a certainty. The cry of the early Church, “Maranatha — Come, Lord Jesus!”, resounds in every Mass and every Office. We live between the comings of Christ—His humble birth in Bethlehem and His glorious coming at the end of time. This is the time of stewardship, and the readings today challenge both pastors and laity: What are you doing with the treasures God has entrusted to you?
In this light, the words of St. Augustine are piercing:
“Let your lives be lights, not for yourselves alone, but also for others. Let the flame of Christ within you set others aflame with love of Him.”
(Sermo 339)
May St. Nicholas, that great Confessor of Christ, intercede for us, that we may imitate his faith, zeal, and charity. Let us, like him, be good and faithful servants, wise stewards of the mysteries of God. And when the Lord returns, may He find us ready—our talents multiplied, our lamps trimmed, and our hearts set aflame with divine love.
Collect for St. Nicholas (Traditional Roman Missal):
Deus, qui beatum Nicoláum Pontíficem innúmeris decorásti miráculis: præsta, quǽsumus; ut ejus méritis et précibus, a gehénnæ flammis liberémur. Per Dóminum nostrum…
O God, Who didst glorify the blessed Bishop Nicholas with countless miracles: grant, we beseech Thee, that by his merits and prayers we may be delivered from the flames of hell. Through our Lord…