{"id":1229,"date":"2026-01-14T10:52:51","date_gmt":"2026-01-14T15:52:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bibleforcatholics.com\/faith-family\/?p=1229"},"modified":"2026-02-05T12:21:28","modified_gmt":"2026-02-05T17:21:28","slug":"st-nicholas-of-flue-the-almost-forgotten-saint-we-need-for-this-decade","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bibleforcatholics.com\/faith-family\/blog\/2026\/01\/14\/st-nicholas-of-flue-the-almost-forgotten-saint-we-need-for-this-decade\/","title":{"rendered":"St. Nicholas of Fl\u00fce: The Almost Forgotten Saint We Need for This Decade"},"content":{"rendered":"

In the January newsletter, Steve reflects on the Church\u2019s call to peace at the start of the new year, set against a world increasingly marked by the threat of war. Drawing on Scripture, current global tensions, and the little-known story of St. Nicholas of Fl\u00fce, Steve explores whether there is a faithful path between na\u00efve pacifism and reckless aggression. Through Switzerland\u2019s history of armed neutrality and the witness of a soldier-saint turned mystic peacemaker, he highlights a vision of peace rooted in moral clarity, strength rightly ordered, and deep trust in God. As 2026 begins, Steve invites readers to pray for peace in our families, our nation, and the world\u2014and to help sustain the mission during a challenging season of transition.<\/em><\/p>\n

From the Desk of Steve Wood at the Family Life Center (January 2026)<\/strong><\/p>\n

St. Nicholas of Fl\u00fce: <\/strong>The Almost Forgotten Saint We Need for This Decade<\/strong><\/h2>\n

A World Longing for Peace<\/em><\/strong><\/h2>\n

During the Christmas season<\/a>, we hear the angels proclaim to the shepherds:<\/p>\n

\u201cGlory to God in the highest, and on earth peace<\/strong> among men with whom He is pleased\u201d (Luke 2:14).<\/em><\/p>\n

Isaiah foretold that the Messiah would be the Prince of Peace<\/em><\/strong>, and that \u201cof His peace there will be no end\u201d (Isaiah 9:6).<\/em><\/p>\n

In that spirit, the Catholic Church has celebrated the World Day of Peace<\/strong> every January 1st<\/sup> since 1968, on the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God.<\/p>\n

Yet as we step into a new year, the signs of potential war are unmistakable.<\/p>\n

The world is painfully aware of the Russia\u2013Ukraine conflict, whose peaceful end we continue to pray for. But many European nations are preparing for the possibility of a far larger war. Defense budgets are rising sharply. Several countries are reinstating conscription\u2014some even planning to draft young women.<\/p>\n

French authorities have asked hospitals to prepare for a potential armed conflict in Europe. Officials warned hospitals to expect between 10,000 and 50,000 injured soldiers.<\/p>\n

Bordering nations are seeking long-range missiles capable of striking deep into Russia. The danger of provoking a nuclear superpower should sober every Christian conscience. Russia possesses roughly 5,459 nuclear warheads<\/strong>, the world\u2019s largest arsenal, and its leaders have repeatedly stated how they would respond to a severe attack.<\/p>\n

And Europe is only one flashpoint.<\/p>\n

A powder keg sits in East Asia, where China\u2019s intentions toward Taiwan seem less a question of if<\/em> than when<\/em>. If the United States gets involved, it could result in the largest naval battle ever.<\/p>\n

In the Middle East, Israel longs to finish bombing Iran. Any conflict could quickly draw in the United States, especially if the Strait of Hormuz\u2014through which one-fifth of the world\u2019s oil flows\u2014is blocked.<\/p>\n

Tensions in Venezuela continue to escalate.<\/p>\n

And other regions simmer quietly, awaiting a spark.<\/p>\n

Surprisingly, many Christians\u2014especially in conservative circles\u2014are often among the most vocal proponents of military intervention. Yet Our Lord teaches plainly:<\/p>\n

\u201cBlessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God\u201d <\/strong>(Matthew 5:9).<\/p>\n

If peacemakers are called God\u2019s children, what does Jesus call those who grow attached to the pursuit of war?<\/p>\n

On the opposite extreme are those who advocate for total disarmament, a position many feel is impossible in a fallen world.<\/p>\n

Is there a faithful, realistic middle way<\/em>?<\/p>\n

Switzerland: A Model of Strong, Principled Peace<\/em><\/strong><\/h2>\n

I believe Switzerland offers such a path\u2014avoiding both na\u00efve pacifism and reckless aggression.<\/p>\n

John Adams (our second president) and Patrick Henry both admired the Swiss model of well-armed neutrality<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Like many, I once pictured Switzerland as a nation of relaxed watchmakers and laid-back chocolate lovers. I was mistaken.<\/p>\n

Switzerland is committed to non-intervention, but couples that commitment with one of the strongest national defense systems. Proportionate to its population, Switzerland maintains the world\u2019s largest reserve force\u2014citizen-soldiers trained and ready to defend their homeland at a moment\u2019s notice.<\/p>\n

During World War II, Switzerland was the only small democracy in Europe<\/strong> not to fall to Nazi Germany, despite Hitler drafting multiple invasion plans. What held him back?<\/p>\n

Because the Swiss would not surrender. Ever.<\/p>\n

One-tenth of the population\u2014men trained as soldiers\u2014kept rifles at home. They were prepared to fight to the end.<\/p>\n

Swiss doctrine during WWII was explicit:<\/p>\n