18 January 2009
First Reading Isaiah 9:1-6
Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress. In the past he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the future he will honor Galilee of the Gentiles, by the way of the sea, along the Jordan-
The people walking in darkness
have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of the shadow of death
a light has dawned.
You have enlarged the nation
and increased their joy;
they rejoice before you
as people rejoice at the harvest,
as men rejoice
when dividing the plunder.
For as in the day of Midian's defeat,
you have shattered
the yoke that burdens them,
the bar across their shoulders,
the rod of their oppressor.
Every warrior's boot used in battle
and every garment rolled in blood
will be destined for burning,
will be fuel for the fire.
For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, [b] Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Second Reading Ephesians 1:3-6; 15-18
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love hepredestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.
For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints
Gospel Mark 10:13-16
People were bringing little children to Jesus to have him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them.
Reflection
By Anabelle Payod - Balla
I can’t remember watching a movie about kingdoms and kings that did not talk about the significance of having a son. In the early age up to the present, having a son remains to be a very important matter. There is great rejoicing for any news of a newly born son. A son is needed to inherit the crown and be the next ruler of the land. A son is expected to continue the bloodline, forever carrying the family’s name. He is expected to bring more honor and glory, the hope and the future of the family.
And the greatest son ever born on earth is none other but Jesus, the King of Kings. He conquered death and has given us a very bright future, a future in heaven. He saved us from our sins and has given us hope to inherit eternal life with our Maker. And He is forever present to help us and the future generations to come. He is our strongest unbreakable link to the Father who reigns forever!
In this Feast of Sto Nino, the patron of the Philippines, let us celebrate with great rejoicing for to us was given the Greatest Son of all. (Isaiah 9:6) For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, [b] Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Sto Nino, we lift all children to You, in particular all sons. Please rule over them and lead them to the right path to heaven. Like You, may they bring hope to our nation and bring us to a brighter future where God is glorified as our Almighty and Merciful Father.
Jesus is the Greatest Son of All.
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