Feast of the Holy Child Jesus

Feast of the Holy Child Jesus

The Santo Niño

17 January 2021

 

First Reading:  IS 9:1-6

Responsorial Psalm:  PS 98

Second Reading:  EPH 1:3-6, 15-18

Gospel:  MK 10:13-16

 

Reflection

By: Carlo Alexis Malaluan

 

The 500-year strong faith on the Philippine Islands, we owe to a young Child - the Señor Santo Niño. It was through this venerable icon of the Child Jesus has helped the missionaries to introduce the faith to the natives. Thus, such devotion and affection for the Holy Child is deeply ingrained in the Filipino consciousness. That is why the Holy See, has approved for us a special celebration every third Sunday of January.

 

Many parts of the country celebrate the Feast of the Holy Child. But why is this so? We are a nation of young people. The statistics tells us that children are much bigger in number compare to adult Filipinos. And for that reason, the Holy Child serves as a model for the young. For us, Filipinos who are naturally fond of children, we believe that it is much easier to approach a young child. For us, the image of a God is not a distant creator but a young gentle and kind Child in our midst whom we can talk with familiarity.

 

But, what can we learn from this child? Innocence. The innocence of children teaches us to remain pure in thoughts and desires. In a world corrupted by selfish desires, we are called to remain holy and blameless. Capable of loving like the children. Show love to the children and they will love you back.

 

Let us learn to show compassion to each one. Let us strive to bring consolation to the unfortunate and suffering. Simplicity and openness, the child is not pretentious. We must be like a child who is open and simple, without masking ourselves and hiding who we really are.

We must stick to the identity that we are God's children and in such way, we will learn the greatest lesson the Child teaches us: Total trust and dependence on God. We recognize our weaknesses, shortcomings, and need for god that we are in need of the true God. God became a child to teach us that we must become a child in front of God. By doing so, we allow ourselves to be open to the great mystery of God's goodness and love. On this feast, may we discover the "inner child" within us and imitate the Child Jesus all the days of our lives.

 

Prayer

 

Lord, You became a Child to teach us how to become a child before You. Grant us the grace to learn from You and to approach You as the Child approaches His Father with full trust and confidence in Your goodness and mercy. Amen.