To Us

Santo Niño January 15, 2017

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!

Responsorial 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 Pietro S. Albano
Looking at a baby or a little child would often make one’s day. The mere sight or sound of one’s child after a busy day lifts up our often wearied spirit. The simple thought of that little one looking up to us keeps us going in spite of how uncertain life could be. Most of us would have already taken down our Christmas decors. When I was about to put our Nativity scene in the box, I looked at the statue of the Baby Jesus and kissed it. Like our children, we feel that same comfort beholding our Lord as a little, helpless, and innocent child. I always use to think that the Christmas season in the Philippines does not end on the feast of the Lord’s Baptism, but on this feast of the Sto. Niño.  And so, across the country (as well as in other parts of the world) devotees bring their various statues of the Holy Child to what is a colourful and vibrant procession.  This celebration brings to mind that “… a child is born to us” (emphasis mine), as written by the Prophet Isaiah. Jesus comes as a humble child to us arrogant people. He comes as an innocent baby to us muddled in sin. He comes as a gentle baby to us who are burdened.  He comes as a frail child to us who are weak. Going back to Isaiah's prophecy, the Sto. Niño comes to us, to our wounded and divided nation as a "Wonder-Counselor, God- Hero, Father-Forever, Prince of Peace".  That’s how special we are!

Prayer

Sto. Niño, we praise and thank You for Your love and mercy to us. As we celebrate Your feast day, help us to realize how precious we are in Your sight. Make our hearts like Yours so that we may be a person to others. United with Mary and Joseph we make this prayer. Amen.