Little Child

Sto. Nino Jan 19
First reading Isaiah 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. He will rule as David’s successor, basing his power on right and justice, from now until the end of time. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this!

Psalm                                                                            Psalm 28:1-4,9-10
Second reading                                                          Ephesians 1: 3-6; 15-18 

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavens, as he chose us in him, before the foundation of the world, to be holy and with- out blemish before him. In love he destined us for adoption to
himself through Jesus Christ, in accord with the favor of his will, for the praise of the glory of his grace that he granted us in the beloved. Therefore, I, too, hearing of your faith in the Lord Jesus and of your love for all the holy ones, do not cease giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. May the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, give you a Spirit of wisdom and revelation resulting in knowledge of him. May the eyes of your hearts be enlightened, that you may know what is the hope that belongs to his call, what are the riches of glory in his inheritance among the holy ones.

Gospel                                                                         Matthew 18:1-5; 10

At that time the disciples approached Jesus and said, “Who is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven?” He called a child over, placed it in their midst, and said, “Amen, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever receives one child such as this in my name receives me. Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea. See that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that their angels in heaven always look upon the face of my heavenly Father.”

Reflection by Grace Madrinan

My mother and I moved into a new house recently with my brother, his wife and two kids. It has been 15 years since I lived with a kid around. At first, it was kind of amusing, entertaining at times. I came from a deafening silence to boisterous fun; from orderly to frenzied routine. But the most adjustment that I had to make is watching out for my actions and words around the youngsters especially to my 7 year old niece.

All of a sudden, a little girl is following me around, imitating me. Often, she would ask questions that I am not prepared to answer. And when I answer, I am trying my best to explain it (or avoid it!) without losing my patience. But when she asked me about Church ethics like why is it forbidden to eat inside the Church, why do we kneel during consecration…I realized that I have the power to shape her awareness for the good or for the worse.

In today’s Gospel, Jesus confirmed that we should be wary not to mistreat or misled the little ones for they are considered the most precious in heaven. I remember as a child, I used to lift up my hands to my father whenever I needed rest from walking.  But as we grow old, we tend to wait for the last straw before we lift our hands to the Father. As a child, we always run excited to meet our father when we see them coming home from a long day’s work. But as we grow old, we can’t even focus our attention to God whenever we participate in the Eucharist. As we celebrate the Feast of the Sto. Nino this Sunday, may we be able to renew in us the same humility, innocence and fervor of the Child Jesus.

Prayer

God our Father, we are Your child and only in Your arms can we find rest. May we continue to look up to  You as a child longs for his father. Amen.