Rekindle The Child In You

“Let the children come to me; do not prevent them for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these”

First Reading: Is. 9:1-6

The people who walked in darkness

have seen a great light;

upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom

a light has shone.

You have brought them abundant joy

and great rejoicing,

as they rejoice before you as at the harvest,

as people make merry when dividing spoils.

For the yoke that burdened them,

the pole on their shoulder,

and the rod of their taskmaster

you have smashed, as on the day of Midian.

For every boot that tramped in battle,

every cloak rolled in blood,

will be burned as fuel for flames.

For a child is born to us, a son is given us;

upon his shoulder dominion rests.

They name him Wonder-Counselor, God-Hero,

Father-Forever, Prince of Peace.

His dominion is vast

and forever peaceful,

from David's throne, and over his kingdom,

which he confirms and sustains

by judgment and justice,

both now and forever.

The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this!

Resp. Psalm: Psalm: 97:1-6

Second Reading: 1:3-6, 15-18

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ; According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love; Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints,

 Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,

Gospel: Mark 10:13-16

People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on 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. Truly I tell you, 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, placed his hands on them and blessed them.

Reflection:

Today is the Feast of the Sto Nino, the little child Jesus. This is a big feast in Cebu City. They have a grand celebration called “Sinulog” where tourists from all over the world flock in to watch this grand parade. Ten days ago, we were there and were fortunate to attend the first day novena mass at the Basilica Minore del Sto Nino. It was a Thursday, 1:30 in the afternoon but the church was filled to capacity that people were really bumping into each other. We witnessed the great devotion of the Cebuanos to the Sto. Nino. And I’m sure not only Cebuanos but most Filipinos have great devotion to Sto. Nino as well. We can see the image of Sto. Nino in many business establishments even in a small sari-sari (mini) store. I hope the devotion doesn’t stop there, treating the Sto. Nino as good luck charm. Our devotion must be lived, practiced in our daily lives. Our devotion should not stop on the grand feast or in the two-week celebration.

Everyday, we must live in child-like trust to God. We must live with honesty and openness that are true marks of a child. Learning is easy and fun for children because of their willingness and eagerness to learn. Everyday, like a child, we must continue to learn and get to know God more, love Him more and serve Him more especially in the people around us, in the people we meet everyday.

May this celebration of the Feast of the Sto. Nino rekindle our innocence and great dependence on God.

Prayer:

Oh, Holy Child Jesus, Who is ever good and loving, we kneel before You, our true God. With humility we implore You to give us Your mercy and grant us all the favors we ask of You so that we will enjoy the blessings of heaven. AMEN.