Hope Came Through A Child

   

Feast of the Sto. Nino

19 January 2025

 

First Reading: Is 9:1-6

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 98

Second Reading: Eph 1:3-6

Gospel: Lk 2:41-52

 

Reflection

By: Anton B. Ocampo

“Why were you looking for Me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” (Luke 2:49) These are the words of the Child Jesus in response to His mother, the Blessed Virgin Mary, once He was found by both Mary and Joseph in the Temple of Jerusalem after three days. With these words, the Child Jesus exhibits awareness and knowledge of the mission as the promised Messiah and Savior sent from heaven. 

For the entire Catholic Church in the Philippines, this Sunday is a very special one as it is dedicated to solemn celebration of the Feast of Jesus as the Most Holy Child, also known as the Santo Niño. This special solemn celebration which is held every year on the third Sunday of January is a reminder for all of us about the very reason why the Lord Jesus Christ came into this world. The Lord Jesus Christ wholeheartedly and willingly decided to take upon our humanity, even the stage of childhood, for our sake. The only thing that Jesus did not assume when He took upon Himself our own human nature was the sinful nature of humanity. 

The Readings for this Sunday focus on the mission of the Lord Jesus as the bearer of true hope which comes from heaven. By wholeheartedly deciding to come into this world as the promised Messiah and Savior, He has brought hope to humanity. A prophecy concerning the arrival of the promised Messiah is featured in the First Reading. It is clearly stated in the prophecy featured in the First Reading that God will give us a Child who will be born for all of humanity. This Child is the promised Messiah. Saint Paul the Apostle stresses this fact in the Second Reading. Out of love and mercy for all of us, God has decided to send Christ Jesus to the world to save humanity. 

The Responsorial Psalm says: “All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God” (Psalm 98:3c). Through the Holy Child Jesus, God has shown the power of the gift of salvation He brings to all. By doing so, He has given us hope. 

Jesus became a Child to bring hope to us. Let us spread this gift of hope that He brings to all of us. 

Prayer

O Most Holy Child Jesus, You came into this world to bring hope to all of us as the promised Messiah and Savior. We humbly thank You for doing so. Give us the strength to spread the hope that You bring to all of us. 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.

 

Pagtanggap at Pangangalaga sa mga Bata

Sto. Niño 19 January 2020
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!

                    
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 Nats Vibiesca

Tampok ang katangian ng mga bata sa Ebanghelyo ngayon na nais ng Panginoong Jesus na ating tularan (nating mga matatanda o anuman ang edad): ang maging mapagpakumbaba. Malinaw ang habiling ito ni Jesus sa mga alagad, pero bakit nga ba nagtanong pa ang mga alagad kung sino ang pinakadakila sa kaharian ng langit? Lagi naman kasing ganito tayong matatanda, na nangangarap na maging dakila, ang masaklap lang ay hindi ito upang maglingkod bagkus upang magmalaki o magyabang sa lahat. Kung nakikita nating nakahihigit ang ibang tao sa atin, materyal o anumang bagay na nakaaangat ang iba, hindi na lang paghanga ang nararamdaman natin kundi inggit at pag-iimbot na sana'y makuha rin o mahigitan pa ang anumang mayroon siya. 

Sana'y hanggang paghanga na lang ang nararamdaman natin sa tagumpay ng iba o magsilbing inspirasyon ang kanyang natamo upang magsumikap din na makamit iyon, ngunit hindi sa dahilang upang may maipagmalaki lamang kundi maging daan ang tagumpay na iyon na mapabuti ang paglilingkod sa kapwa at mapatatag pa lalo ang mga relasyon sa kapwa. Kaya nga lang ay parang natural na pag-uugali ang umuusbong sa ating katauhan na dapat na maging mapagmataas sa kapwa na humahantong sa paghamak sa mga maliliit. Subalit taliwas naman ang pag-uugaling ito sa kagustuhan ng Diyos at isang mabuting halimbawa nga ang utos sa atin na pagtanggap at pagtulad sa mga bata.

Sa totoo lang, napakabigat at napakahirap na gawain ang nais ng Diyos kung susuriin natin ang madalas na mga nangyayari sa mga bata sa ating panahon. Nandiyan ang madalas na pag-abuso ng mga matatanda sa mga bata: abusong pisikal at sekswal, abusong verbal, abusong moral at abusong ispiritwal. Ang mas masakit pa nga kung minsan ay ang mismong mga magulang o kamag-anak ang numero unong nang-aabuso sa mga bata. Hindi rin ligtas ang mga bata sa abusong paggamit sa kanila sa puwersahang paghahanapbuhay imbes na mag-aral o maglaro upang mapanatili ang pagiging bata. 

Laging nakakadurog ng puso ang makakita ng mga namamalimos sa kalsada na matatanda habang bitbit ang mga sanggol o bata na hindi alintana ang anumang masamang epekto nito sa kalusugan o pagkatao ng bata. Hindi natin siguro masisisi ang mga magulang nila kung napilitan silang isangkalang sa hanapbuhay ang kanilang mga anak kung sila rin ay biktima ng kawalang pagpapahalaga nating nakaaalam sa kahirapang dinaranas nila. Ang iba nama'y naglaho na talaga ang konsiyensiya kaya't mismong anak nilang bata pa'y kinakalakal na ang katawan na ngayo'y kumakalat sa internet. Dahil na rin sa kahinaan ng mga bata, sila ang madalas na malubhang apektado ng anumang sakuna, halimbawa'y ang kalunos-lunos na sinapit nila sa pagputok ng bulkang Taal. Huwag sana nating ipagkait ang anumang tulong na maibibigay natin sa mga batang apektado ng kalamidad na ito.  

Mahaba pa ang listahan kung papaano natin hinahamak ang mga bata sa ating panahon. Kung minsa'y nakawawala na rin ng pag-asa tayong mga matatanda upang sagipin sila sa kumunoy ng pag-aalipusta at sumisibol na lang marahil ang pag-asa sa mismong mga bata na rin. Pagsumikapan nawa natin ang malaking hamon sa atin ng Ebanghelyo ngayon na mahalin natin nang lubos ang mga bata dahil sa pagtanggap sa mga bata ay si Jesus nga ang ating tinatanggap.   

Prayer

Panginoon, tulad ng Iyong pagkalungkot, labis din kaming nagdurusa sa tuwing nakikita naming inaabuso ang mga bata. Nagsusumaamo kami sa Iyo na bigyan kami ng sapat na biyaya upang sapat kaming makatugon sa hamon na tanggapin at pangalagaan namin ang mga bata sa lahat ng pagkakataon, at upang maunawaan naming lubos na dapat naming tularan ang kanilang mga katangian. Amen.

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.

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.

That Kind of Faith

First Reading: Isaiah 9:1-6

But there will be no gloom for her that was in anguish. In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zeb'ulun and the land of Naph'tali, but in the latter time he will make glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations. The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shined. You have multiplied the nation, you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as men rejoice when they divide the spoil. For the yoke of his burden, and the staff for his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Mid'ian. For every boot of the tramping warrior in battle tumult and every garment rolled in blood will be burned as fuel for the fire. For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government will be upon his shoulder, and his name will be called "Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 96:1-2, 2-3, 7-8, 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 heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved.

For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints,  I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints.

Gospel: Luke 2:41-52

Every year Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem for the Festival of the Passover.  When he was twelve years old, they went up to the festival, according to the custom.  After the festival was over, while his parents were returning home, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but they were unaware of it. Thinking he was in their company, they traveled on for a day. Then they began looking for him among their relatives and friends.  When they did not find him, they went back to Jerusalem to look for him. After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions.  Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers. When his parents saw him, they were astonished. His mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you.” “ Why were you searching for me?” he asked. “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?” But they did not understand what he was saying to them. Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart. And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.

Reflection
By Pietro S Albano

These past few weeks, Catholics across the world have been exposed to the quite a number of celebrations as part of the Advent and Christmas seasons. While the rest of world has already gone back to its 'default' mode, the Philippines seem not yet done with Christmas as it celebrates the feast of the Sto. Niño.

It has been said that this feast, which is only celebrated in our country, pays tribute to the Holy Child as well as the Christian faith that has been passed on to us by our Spanish conquistadores.  Remember when Ferdinand Magellan came to our islands and converted King Humabon and his wife to Christianity? As a baptismal gift, Magellan gave the queen a statue of the Christ Child. It is believed that this statue is the one now venerated in Cebu.

With too much exposure to the many celebrations that have gone past plus the religious fervor displayed during this feast, I can't help but ask: How is our faith nowadays?  From the outside it seems robust, alive, active.  But how do we translate this in our daily living? How do we see it when all these festivities are over?

Is our faith still at its infancy period?  If it is, then we miss the point of the devotion to the Holy Child.  We miss the point of why faith was given to us as a gift. In the Gospel for this feast, we see a Jesus quite different from the one we have read in the Gospels during Christmas.  The once frail infant in the manger has grown up as a young boy starting to become more aware of His mission. His words to his wearied parents: “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?”.

This is the kind of faith that we are called to. A faith that makes us realize that we are not mere spectators or laid-back reactors in the Father's business, of doing His will 24/7.  Not a faith that is babied!  The work of evangelisation cannot be left in the hands of priests, nuns, teachers, catechists, manongs, and manangs.  If we identify ourselves as Christians, then let's roll up our sleeves and, like Jesus, be up and about in deepening and proclaiming our faith!

Prayer

Lord Jesus, as we pay homage to Your Divine Childhood, we ask You to pour upon us the Holy Spirit so that we too may realize our calling as Your followers. Strengthen us in our desire to deepen our faith so that, united with You, we may offer praise to the Father. Bless all children that they may grow "  in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man". Bless too all parents and all elders that like Mary and Joseph they may support children in their journey of faith.  Amen.

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.