A Family Without You

Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph

28 December 2025

 

First Reading: Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 128:1-2, 3, 4-5

Second Reading: Colossians 3:12-21

Gospel: Matthew 2:13-15, 19-23

 

Reflection

By: Pietro S. Albano

 

One Christmas Eve, just a few minutes before the Midnight Mass I noticed that the statue of Saint Joseph was missing in the Nativity Scene in church. In his stead was a bald old shepherd. I asked the sacristan mayor, but he could not give me a clear explanation. The Midnight Mass commenced and ended without a trace of the missing statue. The following day, I texted our parish priest to ask if he knew. He suggested that I go to the storeroom in the hope that the statue might be there. The next day, feast of the Holy Family, I went earlier to church to go to the storeroom. My wife and I looked at each other as I brought the statue of my patron saint to the Nativity Scene.

Imagine the Nativity Scene and, in a larger scale, Salvation History without Saint Joseph. It would be unthinkable, wouldn’t it? The Gospels last Sunday and today featured this holy man. In the former, he was the bewildered groom who initially had thoughts of silently breaking up with her fiancée. In the latter, he was the father woken up from sleep as he needed to bring his family to a foreign country to escape Herod’s wrath. In both cases, he showed obedience and cooperated with God’s plan.

Christmas is a season to be reunited with family. If you do have the opportunity, try to look at some of your family pictures. You are part of that family for a reason. We may not like this or that relative, but we have been entrusted with a unique mission in our family. Joseph, his wife Mary and their child Jesus did their part in making their family holy. We too are called to do the same.

Prayer

O Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, we entrust our families to your powerful intercession and protection. Help us to realize and fulfil the role we need to play in God’s wonderful plan of salvation. Amen.

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, we give you our hearts and our souls.

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, assist us in our last agony.

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, may we breathe forth our souls in peace with you. Amen.

There's Hope for those who believed.

   

Feast of the Presentation of the Lord 

02 February 2025

 

First Reading: Malachi 3:1-4

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 24:7, 8, 9, 10

Second Reading: Hebrews 2:14-18

Gospel: Luke 2:22-40

 

Reflection

By: Bro. Emerson C. Maala

One of the topics we discussed in canon was the seven sacraments and one of it was baptism. Our professor asked me when was the day of my baptism. I answered him the date. It was April 5, 1997. Then he said that it is good that we remember the day of our baptism for it is where the Lord have gifted us our faith. Together with our parents, offering us to the Lord through baptism, hoping for us to grow in faith and holiness.

Today, we celebrate the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord. The Gospel reminds us of Hope that also coincides with the theme of Jubilee year: "Pilgrims of Hope". 

In the Gospel, Jesus is brought to the Temple, by Mary and Joseph, where Simeon and Anna recognize Him as the Messiah. Simeon proclaims that Jesus is destined for the salvation of all people, but also for opposition and suffering. This foreshadows the Hope that Simeon saw for the people of Israel. Hope that Jesus will bring the salvation to the people.

In the same way, we are called to look at our world, not with despair, but with the hope that God is at work. As we celebrate the Jubilee, we must ask ourselves: Do we bring hope to others? Do we trust that God is still leading our Church and our world despite challenges? Do we recognize Christ in the people around us, especially in the poor, the suffering, and those in need of mercy? And so let us ask God for the grace of Hope. To be an instrument of hope for others bringing light in the darkness especially to those who are hopeless. Amen.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, purify our hearts, refine our faith, and guide us in Your truth. Like Simeon and Anna, grant us the grace to recognize Christ in our midst, to trust and hope in You. So that we, too, may become an instrument of hope, despite facing the challenges of the world. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Family is Forever

   

Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph

29 December 2024

 

First Reading: Sir 3:2-6,12-14

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 128:1-2, 3, 4-5

Second Reading: Col 3:12-21

Gospel: Lk 2:4

 

Reflection

By: Grace B. Madriñan

 

Today is the Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph. I believe the readings for today are one of the most beautiful sets for families with full instruction and guidance on how to live according to the will of God.

"Wives, be subordinate to your husbands,

as is proper to the Lord.

Husbands, love your wives,

and avoid any bitterness toward them.

Children, obey your parents in everything,

for this is pleasing to the Lord.

Fathers, do not provoke your children,

so they may not become discouraged (Colossians 3:18-21)."

But even these teachings get misinterpreted. Wives are forced to follow their husbands leaving the women without the voice in decision making. Husbands define love differently. Children sometimes obey their parents even when it is wronf or against their will. And fathers provoke their children and call it discipline.

But there is yet another instruction and it says, "Put on, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another (Colossians 3:12-13). "

God probably knew that families are not perfect so we need to be guided with humility and forgiveness.

It is also fitting that we are celebrating the feast of the Holy Family this Christmas as it is the season for families to be together. Looking back, the moments that I took for granted when I was younger are the best memories after all. Because today, no matter how festive or extravagant our celebrations get, there will always be empty chairs. My brother and father can no longer be with us.

This is why it is always best to celebrate each moment and be grateful for our family's presence. Let us be more forgiving and loving because this is what God wills for us.

Prayer

Father God thank You for giving us the Holy Family to emulate, abundant wirh humility, compassion and love. May we be grateful and more loving to our own families as we follow Your will for us. These we pray in Jesus' name. Amen.

Parents' Wonders

    

Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph

31 December 2023

 

First Reading: Gen 15:1-6, 21:1-3

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 105:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 8-9

Second Reading: Heb 11:8, 11-12, 17-19

Gospel: Lk 2:22-40

 

Reflection

By: Bernard C. Borja

 

A couple talks about the milestones of their 2-year-old son with their relatives during a family reunion. From birth to toddler, they try their best to enumerate (and exaggerate) all the good developments that their son had as the relatives listen in amazement. Milestones such as crawling on the third month, speaking words on the fifth month, walking on eight months, reading books on fifteenth month, playing soccer on twenty-second month, and so on. The child even demonstrated kicking a soccer ball inside the house. The proud parents would lift each of their own chairs (nagbubuhat ng sariling bangko) as they also argue with each other. “Mana sa akin 'yan,” said the father. But the mother disagrees saying, “Sa akin nagmana 'yan kasi matalino.” Then the child shocked everyone when he intentionally kicked the ball directly to the dining table and laughed aloud. After a brief silence, the couple then continue arguing with each other, “Manang mana sa kakulitan mo!” said the mother. “Sa iyo niya nakikita 'yan mahilig magpapansin” refuted the father.

Sometimes, I wonder how some parents could not realize their ability to influence their own children with their traits and values. Being a new parent, I have yet to understand this when my son grows up and I may also admit or deny which qualities he gets from me. But there are many things that I was only able to understand when I became a parent, like being able to answer one of the most intriguing questions often addressed to parents, “How come you are sleep deprived? Your baby sleeps 20 hours in a day and you should sleep when the baby sleeps.” I can even answer this wondering, “How can I, especially my wife, are able to do a lot of things even with little sleep?” Perhaps it will remain a mystery and an exaggeration for now, but I will always be amazed at how parents are able to do beyond their own perceived capabilities when it comes to taking care of their children.

Today is The Feast of The Holy Family. The readings today are some of the guidelines that we can follow for our children to grow and be filled with wisdom. I believe that being obedient to God, Mary and Joseph were able to raise Jesus wonderfully to honor and take care of His earthly parents. I also imagine the challenges that Mary and Joseph encountered in taking care of The Messiah Himself. When God chose to be a fragile infant to dwell with us, I can imagine how overwhelmed Mary and Joseph were during the moment Jesus was born. They knew that they will be teaching Jesus not just about the laws, but also kindness, compassion, and justice. They knew that even in Jesus’ divinity, His humanity remains, and He still needs to be guided as He grew up. I believe that the guidance and imparted wisdom of Mary and Joseph helped Jesus a lot during His mission as a grown up. And I can imagine today how Mary and Joseph, because of God’s grace, are still amazed how they were able to raise the One who redeemed the world.

Saint Paul reminds us to let Christ richly dwell in us with gratitude in our hearts. Inspired by the Holy Family, may we be able to continue receiving God’s wisdom through bearing one another in heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, and forgiveness. May we, as sons and daughters, continue to honor our parents in obedience according to God’s grace and mercy.

Prayer

PRAYER TO THE HOLY FAMILY

(Pope Francis, 29 December 2013)

Jesus, Mary and Joseph,

in you we contemplate

the splendour of true love,

to you we turn with trust.

Holy Family of Nazareth,

grant that our families too

may be places of communion and prayer,

authentic schools of the Gospel

and small domestic Churches.

Holy Family of Nazareth,

may families never again

experience violence, rejection and division:

may all who have been hurt or scandalized

find ready comfort and healing.

Holy Family of Nazareth,

may the approaching Synod of Bishops

make us once more mindful

of the sacredness and inviolability of the family,

and its beauty in God’s plan.

Jesus, Mary and Joseph,

graciously hear our prayer.

* Special intentions for my friend who recently got engaged. May God’s grace continue to fill her heart with joy and bring fulfillment to her longing to build a family of her own. In Jesus’ Name, AMEN.

Same Old Story

    

The Nativity of the Lord

(Christmas)

25 December 2023

 

First Reading: Is 52:7-10

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 98:1, 2-3, 3-4, 5-6

Second Reading: Heb 1:1-6

Gospel: Jn 1:1-18

 

Reflection

By: Bernard C. Borja

 

It's eleven thirty in the evening, a single mother of two is rushing to get home from her work in Makati City. She works as a staff in a shopping mall, which extended its hours of operation during the holiday season. The heavy traffic, worse than the usual rush hours during ordinary days, won’t even let her sneak a nap on a bus. When she gets home, she still needs to prepare meals to be shared by her children for their Christmas party at school on the next day. With a sigh of relief whenever the bus moves a few meters, she stares at the red lights ahead as she plans in her mind every detail of what she needs to do for the next 12 hours, which includes short naps and taking her children to school, before going to work again.

A young man has been selling Christmas cards and gift wrappers all day in the streets of Divisoria. He prepares to leave as he made his last sale of the day. He rode his bicycle that he used to go around one of the busiest districts in Manila. As he passed in between cars and large vehicles, he can’t help but smile while thinking, “May panghanda na kami ni nanay sa Noche Buena.”

In the other side of the world, a father carries his infant as he walks with other migrants to a nearby shelter to spend the night and maybe ask for some food. When they got to the shelter, it was already full, and they were told that they cannot be accommodated along with the long line of fellow migrants. The displaced migrants set up their own tents using whatever they had – blankets, jackets, large boxes, etc. Talking to his baby, the father kept saying the same words trying to calm his crying daughter, “It’s okay my dear. It’s okay my love.” Tears came down from his eyes when a fellow migrant shared a quarter of the milk that her child was not able to drink.

I wrote this reflection in the quiet of the night, thinking about the shepherds in Bethlehem during the first Christmas. Just like other silent nights when the shepherds do their usual night routine. Maybe keeping watch for those sheep that may go astray, or maybe for wolves that may injure or kill some of the lambs. I imagine their surprise when an angel appeared at a moment when they were looking out expecting for wolves. Their fear was immediately replaced by hope as the angel proclaimed the good news of great joy. As I looked up at the dark sky and listened to the silence, I thought of the mothers who are giving up a big part of their basic needs for their family’s well-being.  I thought of the young men who are eager to do everything they can for a simple but meaningful time for their loved ones. I thought of the people who all their life move day to day without a place to call home, but still share a little hope with those who need it the most.

It’s all the same old story. Like Joseph when he was looking for a temporary shelter for Mary, and when he went out of his hometown and became a migrant. Like the shepherd who watches his flock and hopes for a peaceful night among the sheep. Like the people who had heard the news and glorified God with the shepherds. God dwells among us - the same old story that continues throughout all time. God has always been with us. From the mother who struggles to keep the house together, the smiles on the faces of her children will always remind her of God who continues to give her strength every day; with the young man who continues to look for ways to bring simple joys to his loved ones, God is there to celebrate with him and tell him that all his efforts are worth it; to the father who continues to look for a home for his daughter, God has been carrying him all his life through the people around him.

This is Christmas. We celebrate this season through the same hope and joy that the shepherds heard from the angels. The same old story that continues to renew the story of our life and continues to renew our hearts. This is when we are greatly reminded that the same God, the Word became flesh, will continue to light the world and dwell among us, especially in the midst of all the chaos, fears, and struggles. Today, we also recall how we point to the Lord in all humility during our preparation to make straight his paths. May we continue to humble ourselves and rejoice in having the honor to testify to Jesus who never takes a break to be mindful of us especially on our hopes and dreams for our family. We take part in celebrating the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, especially in the simplest hope and joy, for us to wholly share in his dwelling with us. 

Prayer

Glory to You, dear Lord! For despite all our sinfulness, You chose to be with us and be a fragile infant who continues to be born in our hearts. May we share with one another the fullness of Your grace and truth that we also proclaim along with the angels. With grateful hearts, may we see the shepherds within us and go in haste to help those in need. With Joseph and Mary, we pray for all families who celebrate Christmas differently this year. We also pray for peace and end of war in Ukraine and Gaza, especially those who lost their loved ones and who are still looking for home. These we pray in Jesus’ Name, AMEN.

God is with us

   

  Fourth Sunday of Advent 

18 December 2022 

 

First Reading: Is 7:10-14

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 24:1-2, 3-4, 5-6

Second Reading: Rom 1:1-7

Gospel: Mt 1:18-24

 

Reflection

By: Stephanie Navarro

 

In this Gospel, Joseph was visited by an angel in his dream. This all happened on the day he was about to divorce Mary. Joseph is someone faithful to the law, he didn't want Mary to be shamed. As he listens to the angel, Joseph accepts Jesus as his son. After his dream, he woke up and did what the Lord commanded him to do.

In life, there will be times wherein we'll make irrational actions, decisions or even thoughts. During these times we are challenged and tested by God. That in times like these we should have faith in Him. We should believe in Him. Not just in trying times but the good times and the bad ones as well. By putting our trust in Him, we let Him lead the way to a much more fruitful and meaningful path of life. As we follow Him, we are enlightened.

At moments we are hesitant and in doubt, we should always remember that God is with us. Remember that God will always provide. He is someone that won't leave us hanging.

There would be times that we would ask something from Him and He won't give it to us. That's what we think. God gives us more than our wants and needs. When we feel like He isn't giving us what we asked for, why don't we look around and think things thoroughly?

God might have planned something greater. He might have given us something greater but we don't see it because we are blinded by the thought of getting what we exactly want. Or maybe He thinks that now is the right moment just like what people say, "In God's perfect timing." He has His own plans for us, He knows what's best for us and for our futures.

In the Gospel, the name "Emmanuel" was also mentioned; it means "God is with us." With Jesus being sent to us to save us from our sins, he becomes a bridge. A bridge between us and God. He is the connecting path towards the light of the Lord.

Brothers and sisters, as we read this passage; may we realize that God is always with us. As children of God, we should put our trust and faith in Him and let Him lead the way of life. At moments of hesitation and in doubt, let us trust Him. He never takes His eyes off us and always watches over us. We are sent signs like: people, experiences and lessons to be able to see what God is commanding us to do. Let us be like Joseph and follow what God has set for us, for it is what's best and it is what will save us.

Prayer

Dearest Father, You have sent an angel to St. Joseph to guide him in his decisions. We, too, believe that you sent us angels daily to guide us in our everyday tasks. May we always trust You and abide Your will. Amen.

Matured Devotee

 The Feast of the Sto. Niño

16 January 2022

 

First Reading: IS 9:1-6

Responsorial Psalm: PS 97, 1:2-3ab, 3cd-4, 5-6

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

Gospel: LK 2:41-52

 

Reflection

By: Pietro S. Albano

 

Makamatanda (old fashioned). I guess that would have also been what the boy Jesus' contemporaries would label Him given today's Gospel. Instead of devoting His time to enjoy the company of His friends travelling to and from Jerusalem, He literally stayed in the Temple. I have the impression that through a boy, Jesus was already starting to realize His future vocation and so, without telling His parents, He conversed for three days and nights with the teachers in the Temple and asking them questions. Although Mary and Joseph did not have a clue of why Jesus did this, they nurtured and prepared Him for His mission. This preparation was not done overnight, but lasted for 30 years (aka Jesus' hidden life).

As a Catholic nation, we have a strong devotion to the Sto. Niño. We have a soft spot in our heart for the Christ Child. It is not surprising that there are many depictions of our Infant Lord - dressed as a monarch, a policeman, a homeless boy, etc. They are not bad per se. However, if we are not careful, we are in danger of failing to see that the Sto. Niño moved on from the crib to the cross, from the cross to the grave, from grave to the right hand of the Father. Indeed, "grew in wisdom and stature and in favor of God and man." Has your devotion to the Sto. Niño allowed you to grow as a mature Christian or not? Has the devotion challenged you to become a Missionary Christian?

Prayer

O Jesus, Beloved Sto. Niño, we adore You. Through the prayers and example of Mary and Joseph, grant us the grace to also grow "in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and man" so that we may share the gift of mission to others. Amen.

 

Family is Love

Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph

26 December 2021 

 

First Reading: SIR 3:2-6, 12-14 or SM 1:20-22, 24-28

Responsorial Psalm: PS 128:1-2, 3, 4-5 or PS 84:2-3, 5-6, 9-10

Second Reading: COL 3:12-21 or 3:12-17 or JN 3:1-2, 21-24

Gospel: LK 2:41-52

 

Reflection

By: Anabelle Payod-Balla

 

"Love is always present at home un varying degree but never absent." - Anabelle Balla

"Pag ibig, pag asa, at saya, 'yan ang lagi mong dala. Sa pamilya mo ang tunay na Pasko, family is love. Family is love..." (Love, hope, and joy, you always bring. In your family, true Christmas is...)

These are the lines of the song that we needed to memorize for our Christmas video in the office. "Family is love", is the title of the song (ABS-CBN's 2018 Christmas song).

The words, "family is love", is an absolute truth for me. I strongly believe that all families in the world have love in their hearts and that they may have different ways of expressing it. Maybe not the way we expect or prefer it to be. But there has to be love. Because WE ARE LOVE. We all came from God, who is LOVE. It is part of our genes, of our being. We can't exist without it.

Some of you may say, "my father is a monster or my sibling has no care of this world". But may I ask you to reconsider and think of the times when you've seen a glimpse of love, even the tiniest one? What made them express love? What can we do to help them show more love? Can we trigger love by being the first to show love?

And how do you love? What is your love language for your family? Are you showing enough love? Do you love enough?

I say, BE WHO YOU ARE, be the LOVE that your family needs every day. Bring hope, bring joy, bring peace, and offer comfort anyway you can because even the smallest act of love can spark the love in others and create a ripple effect to the world.

Some of us may not have a perfect family, but we have love, we have God and if we have God, then we are in great hands!

Prayer

Oh Most Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, please help us unite our family in God's love. May His peace, joy, mercy, healing, protection, guidance, and abundant blessings be upon as always, Amen.

 

Merry Christmas!

The Nativity of the Lord (Christmas)

25 December 2021 

 

First Reading: IS 52:7-10

Responsorial Psalm: PS 98:1, 2-3, 3-4, 5-6

Second Reading: HEB 1:1-6

Gospel: JN 1:1-18 or JN 1:1-5, 9-14

 

"A Blessed Christmas to all! For today's celebration, let us listen to the God Speaks' Writers as they pray for you. Take care and God bless!

 

Called to be Holy

“I wish to invoke the protection of the Holy Family of Nazareth…it is therefore the prototype and example for all Christian families…St. Joseph was a “just man”…may he always guard, protect and enlighten families. May the Virgin Mary, who is the Mother of the Church, also be the Mother of “the Church of the home”…May Christ the Lord, the Universal King, the King of Families, be present in every Christian home as He was at Cana, bestowing light, joy, serenity, and strength” (#86). – Pope John Paul II

First Reading:  Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14

God sets a father in honor over his children; a mother’s authority he confirms over her sons. Whoever honors his father atones for sins, and preserves himself from them. When he prays, he is heard; he stores up riches who reveres his mother. Whoever honors his father is gladdened by children, and, when he prays, is heard. Whoever reveres his father will live a long life; he who obeys his father brings comfort to his mother.

My son, take care of your father when he is old; grieve him not as long as he lives.

Even if his mind fail, be considerate of him; revile him not all the days of his life; kindness to a father will not be forgotten, firmly planted against the debt of your sins

—a house raised in justice to you.

Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 128:1-2, 3, 4-5

Second Reading: Collosians 3:12-21

Brothers and sisters:

Put on, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another,  if one has a grievance against another;  as the Lord has forgiven you, so must you also do. And over all these put on love, that is, the bond of perfection. And let the peace of Christ control your hearts, the peace into which you were also called in one body.

And be thankful.

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, as in all wisdom you teach and admonish one another, singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or indeed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Wives, be subordinate to your husbands, as is proper in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives, and avoid any bitterness toward them. Children, obey your parents in everything, for this is pleasing to the Lord. Fathers, do not provoke your children, so they may not become discouraged.

Gospel: Luke 2:22-40

When the days were completed for their purification according to the law of Moses,

They took him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord, just as it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that opens the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord,  and to offer the sacrifice of a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons, in accordance with the dictate in the law of the Lord.

Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, awaiting the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him.

It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit  that he should not see death before he had seen the Christ of the Lord. He came in the Spirit into the temple;  and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform the custom of the law in regard to him,  He took him into his arms and blessed God, saying: “Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you prepared in sight of all the peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel.”

The child’s father and mother were amazed at what was said about him;  and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted —and you yourself a sword will pierce—  so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived seven years with her husband after her marriage,

and then as a widow until she was eighty-four.

She never left the temple, but worshiped night and day with fasting and prayer.

And coming forward at that very time, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem.

When they had fulfilled all the prescriptions of the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom;  and the favor of God was upon him.

Reflection
By Pietro S. Albano

These past few weeks, Chiara's homework was to write 3 sentences about her baptism. She and her classmates were also asked to include pictures, if any. This was followed later by another homework asking the kids on what words the priest said while pouring water on the baby's head and what do the Chrism Oil and white dress signify.

Like in any of her homework, Nidz and I got involved in these assignments. Recalling her baptism and putting it into writing was a family activity we truly enjoyed.  I imagine that the Holy Family would have a similar experience when the young Jesus would have asked His parents about events in His life such as when He was presented to the Temple and how Simeon and Anna recognized Him as the Promised Messiah.  

To bring our daughter's baptism to mind keeps us all grounded on our calling as a family, as a holy family like that of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, humbly and gratefully we accept Your calling for us to be holy for You are holy. As You have guided the Holy Family in their many ups and downs, we entrust ourselves to You too in our own happy and sad moments. You are our strength, our consolation, our sure foundation. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, accompany our families this Christmastime and in the New Year. Amen.

A fragile gift

Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord (Christmas) 

- December 25

First Reading: Isaiah 52:7-10

How beautiful upon the mountains
are the feet of him who brings glad tidings,
announcing peace, bearing good news,
announcing salvation, and saying to Zion,
“Your God is King!”

Hark! Your sentinels raise a cry,
together they shout for joy,
for they see directly, before their eyes,
the LORD restoring Zion.
Break out together in song,
O ruins of Jerusalem!
For the LORD comforts his people,
he redeems Jerusalem.
The LORD has bared his holy arm
in the sight of all the nations;
all the ends of the earth will behold
the salvation of our God.

Psalm: Psalm 98:1, 2-3, 3-4, 5-6

Second Reading: Hebrew 1:1-6

Brothers and sisters:
In times past, God spoke in partial and various ways 
to our ancestors through the prophets; 
in these last days, he has spoken to us through the Son, 
whom he made heir of all things 
and through whom he created the universe,
who is the refulgence of his glory,
the very imprint of his being,
and who sustains all things by his mighty word.
When he had accomplished purification from sins,
he took his seat at the right hand of the Majesty on high,
as far superior to the angels
as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.

For to which of the angels did God ever say:
You are my son; this day I have begotten you?
Or again:
I will be a father to him, and he shall be a son to me?
And again, when he leads the firstborn into the world, he says:
Let all the angels of God worship him..

Gospel: John 1:1-5, 9-14

In the beginning was the Word,
and the Word was with God,
and the Word was God.
He was in the beginning with God. 
All things came to be through him,
and without him nothing came to be.
What came to be through him was life,
and this life was the light of the human race;
the light shines in the darkness,
and the darkness has not overcome it.
The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.
He was in the world,
and the world came to be through him,
but the world did not know him.
He came to what was his own,
but his own people did not accept him.

But to those who did accept him
he gave power to become children of God, 
to those who believe in his name, 
who were born not by natural generation 
nor by human choice nor by a man’s decision 
but of God.
And the Word became flesh
and made his dwelling among us,
and we saw his glory,
the glory as of the Father’s only Son,
full of grace and truth.

Reflection

By  Bernard M. Borja

In a very cold night, when hearts were captivated by misery, a helpless, vulnerable, fragile infant was born. The angel of the Lord proclaimed, “I am here with Good News for you, which will bring great joy to all the people.”

The birth of a little child, wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger, was the sign that salvation has come upon us. But how can a helpless, dependent infant can bring salvation to us? If we already know the context of how this child came to be the Messiah and sacrifice Himself for us when He grows up, it will be easy to believe that we are already saved from our sins. But during times of misery and despair, if someone tells us that one fragile infant will turn our misery into great joy; would we be more afraid knowing that this child cannot do anything yet? Or if we do believe, we are also left with a great responsibility to take care of the child and wait for Him to save us.

The helplessness, vulnerability, and frailty of the newborn child are a sign for us to recognize that God is with us, and that He became the Son of Man. During the old times (Old Testament), God revealed Himself to the people as a powerful judge who smite the oppressors with His wonders in order for His people to recognize Him. But this time, He has become one of us. He has “changed His course” to become human, which is vulnerable to temptation, misery, and despair.

We rarely look at things, or people, beyond their appearance, status, and ability. This hinders us to appreciate the Good News expressed by the birth of our saviour, which is to know that we no longer live in fear or believing that His wrath will be brought down upon us and the sinners, but to show His great love for us. We are created in the image and likeness of God, which also means that a man’s dignity is not defined by appearance, status, ability, or influence.

Have we ever thought about how the poor, the needy, the unfortunate, or the people with hearts captivated in despair, celebrate Christmas? Are the people whose hearts have been filled with wickedness in the past would still be worthy to celebrate the Good News? Christmas also reminds us that our frailty and brokenness are one of the reasons why God has sent His only Son. He loves us so much that He wanted to “personally” turn our life around from misery and despair. We may feel that we have nothing to offer Him or unworthy of His sacrifice, but a brokenness offered to Jesus, as a fragile gift, by a sincere heart is accepted by Him and will use it to prepare us for a greater purpose of bringing the Good News of great joy to the people.

Today, we celebrate the opening of our hearts to receive the Good News and proclaim God’s great love for us. May we see Jesus in each other and be grateful that He came to bring us healing, wholeness, and holiness, so that the hymn of praise “Glory to God in the highest and peace to His people of good will”, will  no longer be on our lips only, but also in our hearts.

Prayer

Lord, we celebrate today Your presence as we receive the Good News of great joy that You have promised us. May we see beyond the hearts of the people we meet so that we may be able to realize that your coming is for us all, saints and sinners alike. Grant us compassion that we may reach out to the people who are desperate to receive Your love. May we be able to offer You our brokenness wholeheartedly and accept the healing that You alone can give.
All these we ask in the name of Jesus Christ,
AMEN.