Sunday of Joy

Fourth Sunday of Lent (Laetare Sunday)

15 March 2026

 

First Reading: 1 Samuel 16b, 6-7, 10-13a

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 23:1-3q, 3b-4, 5, 6

Second Reading: Ephesians 5:8-4

Gospel: John 9:1-41

 

Reflection

By: Anton Ocampo

The Fourth Sunday of Lent is also referred to as Laetare Sunday, with the Latin word “Laetare” meaning “Joy.” If the Advent season has its Third Sunday being designated as its own Sunday of Joy, with the said Sunday being referred to as Gaudete Sunday (“Gaudete” is also a Latin word that means “Joy”), the Lenten season also has its own Sunday of Joy, namely Laetare Sunday. Both Sundays mark the half-way mark of their respective seasons. Another unique aspect of both these Sundays, namely Gaudete in Advent and Laetare in Lent, is the use of the color rose. Rose is only used on these Sundays specifically.

In this year’s Fourth Sunday of Lent, which is designated by the Church as the season of Lent’s Sunday of Joy, the Church invites us to reflect on this gift that comes from the Light of the world. The Light of the world is the One we should humbly exalt all the days of our life. He is the source of our joy. Our hearts and minds are filled with joy because the true Light of the world chose to shine on us. Even though we are not worthy because of our sinful nature, He willingly let His light radiate our path so that we can walk under His grace, love, mercy, and compassion.

Featured in the First Reading is the narrative of the anointing of David as King of Israel. God has sent His prophet Samuel to anoint the shepherd David, the youngest son of Jesse, who He has chosen to succeed Saul who reigned over His chosen nation Israel as its king during that time. In doing so, He gives His nation Israel an assurance of His faithfulness to them. By continuing to give a king to Israel, God has given them joy. 

God is introduced in the Responsorial Psalm as the shepherd of His chosen people. Keep in mind, He was not forced to shepherd His people. Rather, He freely chose to assume the role of shepherd. By doing so, He gives joy to His chosen people because they have the assurance that they will be safe and sound. They will be walking under the true light, the Light of the world, who is full of mercy, compassion, and love. 

The Second Reading focuses on how Christ, as the true Light of the world, illuminates the path of His followers. Followers of Christ no longer walk in darkness. Rather, they walk in the true light who is none other than Him. He chose to do this freely because of His great mercy, compassion, and love. As His followers who devoutly praise, worship, and exalt Him through our spoken words and deeds, we are filled with true joy. 

In the Gospel, Jesus gives sight to a man born blind. As a result of this, the man who was born blind was filled with joy upon receiving the gift of sight from the true Light of the world. The desire of this man, who was blind from the moment he was born, to see the beauty of the world he was in came true because of the great mercy, compassion, and love of the true Light of the world who is none other than Jesus of Nazareth, the promised Messiah.

With great joy in our hearts and minds, let us always exalt by our words and actions the true Light of the world who is none other than Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. By choosing to become the true Light of the world, He has given us the gift of joy and gladness that comes from only Him. This serves as proof of His great mercy, compassion, and love. 

Prayer

Filled with the joy that You continuously give us each moment of our lives, we humbly exalt, praise, and worship You, O Lord Jesus Christ. We thank You for choosing to be our Light that dispels the darkness in our midst. In doing so, You showed us Your great mercy, compassion, and love. May we always listen to You, the source of our joy and hope. Amen.

      

The Heartbeat of Easter

   

The Resurrection of the Lord

20 April 2025

 

First Reading: Acts 10:34a, 37-43

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 118:1-2, 16-17, 22-23

Second Reading: Colossians 3:1-4 or 1 Corinthians 5:6b-8

Gospel: John 20:1-9

Reflection

By: Therese B. Manio

The Gospel of Easter Sunday tells a story that is both beautiful and mysterious. Mary Magdalene arrives at the tomb while it is still dark, only to find the stone rolled away. Peter and the beloved disciple come running, and though they don’t fully understand, they begin to believe. It’s a moment full of uncertainty, questions, and wonder but more than anything, it’s full of hope.

That same hope speaks to us today. Like those first followers of Jesus, we often walk through darkness, moments of grief, confusion, or waiting. Life throws challenges we don’t always understand. But just like the stone was already rolled away, God is already at work in our lives, even before we see it. The empty tomb isn’t just a part of the story—it’s a promise.

At first glance, Jesus dying on the cross might seem like a defeat. But it wasn’t. It was a victory, just not the kind the world expected. Jesus didn’t conquer with force. He overcame sin and death through forgiveness, mercy, and love. His Resurrection proved that love is stronger than hate, and hope is more powerful than fear. It wasn’t just about Jesus coming back to life, it was about all of us being given a chance at new life.

The Resurrection reminds us we are never truly alone. Jesus went through real pain, rejection, and fear. He knows what suffering feels like. But He also shows us that no pain, no failure, and no moment of darkness has the final word. There’s always more to the story. There’s always hope. God allowed Jesus to die and rise again so we could experience this hope for ourselves. He transforms what’s broken, makes new what was lost, and brings life where there seemed to be none. Every cross we carry can lead to a resurrection. That’s the core of our faith and the heartbeat of Easter.

In this Jubilee Year, with the theme “Pilgrims of Hope,” we are reminded that this journey isn’t just about us receiving hope, it’s about becoming hope for others. The world is full of people searching, grieving, or feeling stuck in the dark. We’re called to be like the beloved disciple who saw the signs and believed. We’re called to be like Mary, who ran to tell others: “I have seen the Lord.” Being an instrument of hope doesn’t always mean doing something huge. It could be listening to someone who’s hurting, offering kindness, or simply being there when someone needs you. In these small, quiet ways, we become living signs of the Resurrection.

As we walk through this Jubilee year together, may we carry the light of Easter in our hearts. Let us move forward with hope, not just for ourselves, but for everyone we meet. Because Christ is risen, and in Him, so is our hope.

Prayer

Risen Lord, thank You for the gift of Your love that conquers death and brings us everlasting hope. Help us to walk as true pilgrims of hope, carrying Your light into the lives of those around us. Give us the courage to believe, even in the darkness, and the grace to be signs of Your resurrection every day. Amen.

Jesus, Jesus, Jesus

    

Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

31 May 2024

 

First Reading: Zep 3:14-18a or Rom 12:9-16

Responsorial Psalm: Is 12:2-3, 4bcd, 5-6

Gospel: Lk 1:39-56

 

Reflection

By: Anabelle P. Balla

 

The title is actually a chant I sing every time I feel like singing it, which is several times a day. When I am happy, when I am sad, when I am anxious, worried, scared, or angry. I was inspired to compose this very simple, yet powerful chant, when I experienced deep longing to encounter Jesus again.

I craved for the same experience I had when I went to the Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration chapel in St. Joseph de Gagalangin Parish. I wept, openly, convulsively, for minutes. And it felt great! I felt Jesus' embrace. It was very comforting and liberating. I felt a great sense of peace and an incomparable feeling of happiness. It felt like I unloaded a truck load of negative emotions and bad memories, and I was set free! One of my most treasured encounters with Jesus. I pray and I seek more of that kind of experience. And I get a taste of that when I sing His name.

Seek Jesus, be in His presence and be filled with overflowing joy. And with Mama Mary, let us magnify His name.

Prayer

The Song of Mary

My soul magnifies the Lord,

And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.

For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant;

For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed.

For He who is mighty has done great things for me,

And holy is His name.

And His mercy is on those who fear Him

From generation to generation.

He has shown strength with His arm;

He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.

He has put down the mighty from their thrones,

Ans exalted the lowly.

He has filled the hungry with good things,

And the rich He has sent away empty.

He has helped His servant Israel,

In remembrance of His mercy,

As He spoke to our fathers,

To Abraham and to his sees forever."

Amen.

It's Because of Who He Is

    

Sixth Sunday of Easter

05 May 2024

 

First Reading: Acts 10:25-26, 34-35, 44-48

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

Second Reading: 1 Jn 4:7-10

Gospel: Jn 15:9-17

 

Reflection

By: Anabelle P. Balla

 

It has nothing to do with me or with you. It is not because of how good or bad we are. It is all because of Him, of what He is. He is all Good. He is Love. He is Joy. He is our God who remains with us and calls us His friends.

We only have to abide in Him, in His love.

I am always tempted to treat others because of what they do and how they behaved. I often caught myself fuming inside when I experience unfairness or witness misdeeds being done openly. I have a tendency to turn from an obliging sheep to an angry bear when poked or when I am or any of my loved ones are attacked for no valid reasons. A priest once told me, "Ana, you look like an angel but you seem to have a "lion's" heart when you're angry. And so I am a bear and also a lion when I am mad - only internally though. Maybe this is the reason why I really try hard to master my emotions so I can stand up for what is good and fair in a peaceful manner and can help right the wrong with love and good intent. It is a challenge to remain calm and forgiving. What keeps me in control is staying grounded to my love and calm center - Jesus. I call on Him and try to remember how He favors me despite being unworthy. And it is all because of who He is and not because of who I am. And also for His commandment, "...that you love one another as I have loved you."

We have a very inspiring Gospel this Sunday and please allow me to repeat the key messages here.

"As the Father loved me, I also have loved you; abide in My love".

These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full"

"but I have called you friends"

"You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and ber fruit."

Prayer

Father, please continue to keep us close to You and never allow us to wander away from You. Grant us overwhelming love, joy, and inspiration so that we maybe able to love others like You do, despite who we arw and who they are. Help us be a channel of love and blessings to everyone we encounter everywhere we go. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Joyful Preparation

    

First Sunday of Lent

18 February 2024

 

First Reading: Gn 9:8-15

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 25:4-5, 6-7, 8-9

Second Reading: 1 Pt 3:18-22

Gospel: Mk 1:12-15

 

Reflection

By: Ma. Rosalina S. Flores

 

When Christmas is approaching, everyone gets excited counting down the days, playing Christmas songs, buying gifts, going to parties, preparing full blast for the occasion, exclaiming "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!"

But it is the exact opposite for the Lenten season. People tend to be quiet and could not wait any longer for the Holy Week to start so it will soon end.

Attending a Lenten formation this afternoon, I became more convinced that the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ which we commemorate during Holy Week is the heart of our liturgical year, the summit of our Catholic faith, the most joyful season because God gifted us the most precious present, our salvation.

Being aware of this joyful celebration that will happen on Easter Vigil, Rev. Fr. Genaro Diwa invited today's Lenten formation attendees to empty a big portion in their lives, ready for the huge gift from God.

The call to have a happy disposition this Lent is actually supported  by the Gospel Reading on Ash Wednesday saying that the Lord requests us to not look gloomy even when fasting, to not neglect our appearance just like what the hypocrites do. The three pillars of Lent: Prayer, Fasting, and Almsgiving should be complied with a cheerful disposition looking forward to God's promise of salvation.

This Lent, surely, we have already decided on the sacrifices we wish to offer as a penance. But more importantly, may we be guided of St. Benedict's quote "Let each one deny himself some food, drink, sleep, needless talking and idle jesting, and look forward to holy Easter with joy and spiritual longing." Let us savor the Lenten journey to Easter.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for the season of Lent, please accompany me in my 40-day preparation so that I may celebrate joyfully the Easter and Your Resurrection. This we ask in Your 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.

Make Disciples

    

The Ascension of the Lord

21 May 2023

 

First Reading: Acts 1:1-11

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 47:2-3, 6-7, 8-9

Second Reading: Eph 1:17-23

Gospel: Mt 28:16-20

 

Reflection

By: Fely C. Santiago

“And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age”.

The disciples watched Jesus being lifted up to heaven and it must have been so sad and difficult for them to see Jesus depart from them. They must have felt abandoned again because it took a while before they left the place. But God promised that Jesus will return again in the same way that He ascended. But no one knows when. Meantime, the Lord promised to send His Helper the Holy Spirit. 

Are you ready for the second coming of the Lord? I’ve learned to live my life thinking each day as if it is my last and because of that I treasure every moment with my loved ones and all my relationships. I treasure my prayer time with the Lord because His presence gives me strength and I’ve learned to find God in all things. And I always ask the Lord to guide me that I may always do His will and share His love to everyone. 

I also share in His mission to make disciples and bring even one soul at a time back to Jesus. It is not always easy. Sometimes it requires getting out of my comfort zone. But the journey helps me grow to greater love and service to others. God is always with us so let’s spread His love to all the world and make disciples in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, we rejoice today in Your ascension to the Father’s right hand. Thank You, Lord, for offering us a share in your heavenly life. By Your Spirit, help us to lay hold of our inheritance in You—the hope, the glory, and the power that are the right of every child of God.

Shout Joyfully to God

    

Sixth Sunday of Easter

14 May 2023

 

First Reading: Acts 8:5-8, 14-17

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 66:1-3, 4-5, 6-7, 16, 20

Second Reading: 1 Pt 3:15-18

Gospel: Jn 14:15-21

 

Reflection

By: Fely C. Santiago

“Let all the earth cry out to God with joy”

Easter is truly a joyful season. The Lord has risen. His resurrection has given us so much hope and unexplainable joy. And because of this, the disciples finally has become bold and brave to spread and to proclaim the good news and the people paid attention because of the many miracles and signs that Jesus has done after His resurrection. And because of their increase faith, the disciples were able to also perform miracles and cast out unclean spirits, cured the paralyzed and crippled, and many accepted the word of God. There was great joy in the city.

When we also answer God’s call and mission for us, it brings immense joy. Our life should also live the Paschal Mystery of His death and resurrection. Our journey here on earth is not a smooth journey. We face different kinds of challenges and difficulties in doing the mission God has called us to do but it brings immense joy knowing that we serve our God by loving others and bringing the kingdom of God closer to all the people that we meet. When we truly love, we are ready to make sacrifices and submit to the will of God with loving obedience. And in doing this, we experience real joy that can only come from God.

Prayer

Dear Lord, as I spend time with You, I am aware of how blessed I truly am. I think of the love and laughter in my life and I feel grateful. Thank You for always being there for me Lord and for finding joy even in the midst of trials and difficulties. Give me the grace to experience Your joy in every moment of my life. Amen.

Jesus Sparks Joy

   

  Third Sunday of Advent 

11 December 2022 

 

First Reading: Is 35:1-6a, 10

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 146:6-7, 8-9, 9-10

Second Reading: Jas 5:7-10

Gospel: Mt 11:2-11

 

Reflection

By: Ma. Rosalina S. Flores

 

Do you know Marie Kondo? She is a tidying expert helping people around the world to transform their cluttered homes into spaces of serenity and inspiration. She always says to keep only those that spark joy.

This Third Sunday of Advent or Gaudete Sunday which means rejoice in Latin and expresses the joy of anticipation at the approach of Christmas, what Christmas preparation sparks joy in your lives?

You will see the countdown in Malls, restaurants, supermarkets, and media which says 14 days before Christmas. In turn, people rush to shopping, buying food for noche buena, eating in restaurants, and Christmas parties. These merry-making activities though spark joy will not bring true and lasting joy in our lives, only Jesus Christ can do that, our reason for the season.

This Advent season, aside from the call to rejoice in the Lord always, we are constantly invited to reconciled with God, to throw away our old selves addicted to sin. As we tidy up our houses in preparation of the holidays, may we also give time to clean ourselves, go to confession, and do penance.

We still have 14 days before Christmas, enough time to make straight our paths. Missa de Gallo will also start in a few days, may this lead us to know more Jesus so we may always find joy in Him.

Prayer

Dear Lord, thank You for all the blessings You bestowed upon us. Help us to prepare for Your birth. As we know You more, may we see You always as our spark of joy. We ask this through Christ our Lord, Amen.

Disturbance in our Hearts; Authentic Desire

Third Sunday of Lent

07 March 2021 

 

First Reading:  EX 20:1-3, 7-8, 12-17

Responsorial Psalm:  PS 19:8, 9, 10, 11

Second Reading:  1 COR 1:22-25

Gospel:  JN 2:13-25

 

Reflection

By: Emerson C. Maala

 

While we were having breakfast, our Spiritual Director took our attention to remind us of too many left-over foods. He made us realize the lavish lifestyle of some of our brothers. He explained to us about the expenses and instead of that we were saving, we were wasting the generosity of the people and the grace of God being poured upon us. Then he left us a question, "Is that your authentic desire?" The question resonated in my ears. I was disturbed by what our community has done about these things. We talked about it for us to come up with resolutions so that we would be able to save and use all our resources properly.

How would I become an effective pastor if my heart has inauthentic desires? If I was just thinking about myself and not the others? How would I be able to do service if I was selfish? With that disturbance, I was able to go back to my orientation. I realized  that this was not my authentic desire. It only gives me temporary joy.

In the Gospel, Jesus shows Himself in a strong prospect. Grudgingly, He drove away all the people making. His Father's temple like a market. Jesus knew the corrupt desire of each one present there, even the temple authority who only thinks for themselves. What Jesus show was not just cleansing but a replacement. He replaced the rotten hearts of the people full of inauthentic desires with a heart full of authenticity. "Destroy this sanctuary, and in three days I will raise it up."

In this time of Lent, Jesus reminded us about our authentic desire. Authentic means lasting that can bring us and lead us closer to Him. For us to see our authentic desire, sometimes we need a disturbance in our hearts so that we might purify our motivations to reveal what our desire authentically. For it is only through authentic desires that will bring us closer to God and with a pure heart to see Him.

 

Prayer

 

God our Father, make us see what our authentic desires is, that gives us permanent joy. Help us to desire what is pleasing to you and not what is pleasing for ourselves, in order for us to serve You and others. We ask this through Your Son Jesus Christ, who lives in our hearts forever and ever. Amen.

 

 

 

The Most Awaited Day

Solemnity of the Lord's Birth

25 December 2017

First reading                                                                                           Isaiah 9:1-7

The people that walked in darkness

has seen a great light;

on those who live in a land of deep shadow

a light has shone.

You have made their gladness greater,

you have made their joy increase;

they rejoice in your presence

as men rejoice at harvest time,

as men are happy when they are dividing the spoils.

For the yoke that was weighing on him,

the barb across his shoulders,

the rod of his oppressor,

these you break as on the day of Midian.

For all the footgear of battle,

every cloak rolled in blood,

is burnt,

and consumed by fire.

For there is a child born for us,

a son given to us

and dominion is laid on his shoulders;

and this is the name they give him:

Wonder-Counsellor, Mighty-God,

Eternal-Father, Prince-of-Peace.

Wide is his dominion

in a peace that has no end,

for the throne of David

and for his royal power,

which he establishes and makes secure

in justice and integrity.

From this time onwards and for ever,

the jealous love of the Lord of Hosts will do this.

Second reading                                                                           Titus 2:11-14                        God’s grace has been revealed, and it has made salvation possible for the whole human race and taught us that what we have to do is to give up everything that does not lead to God, and all our worldly ambitions; we must be self-restrained and live good and religious lives here in this present world, while we are waiting in hope for the blessing which will come with the Appearing of the glory of our great God and saviour Christ Jesus. He sacrificed himself for us in order to set us free from all wickedness and to purify a people so that it could be his very own and would have no ambition except to do good.

Gospel                                                                                              Luke 2:1-14

Caesar Augustus issued a decree for a census of the whole world to be taken. This census – the first – took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria, and everyone went to his own town to be registered. So Joseph set out from the town of Nazareth in Galilee and travelled up to Judaea, to the town of David called Bethlehem, since he was of David’s House and line, in order to be registered together with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. While they were there the time came for her to have her child, and she gave birth to a son, her first born. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger because there was no room for them at the inn.
  In the countryside close by there were shepherds who lived in the fields and took it in turns to watch their flocks during the night. The angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone round them. They were terrified, but the angel said, ‘Do not be afraid. Listen, I bring you news of great joy, a joy to be shared by the whole people. Today in the town of David a saviour has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. And here is a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.’ And suddenly with the angel there was a great throng of the heavenly host, praising God and singing:
‘Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and peace to men who enjoy his favour.’

Reflection
By Jessa Janelle Padilla

After our nine days of preparation and waiting, are we ready to welcome Jesus in our life? Yes! Today is our most awaited day, the day when the Word of God became man. Our Savior was born.

In our First Reading from the book of the Prophet Isaiah, he said that “the people who walked in darkness have seen a great light”. When we experience a dark moment in our lives, we always see a light that guides and helps us to surpass that moment. God always provides solutions to our problems. When we go home at night, there’s the moon and stars, which God created, to give light to our paths amidst the darkness. During these ber months, as we look up in the sky at night, there are constellations, a lot of stars shining above. God never fails to lead our way to the light. Prophet Isaiah also said that “For a child is born to us, a son is given to us; upon his shoulder dominion rests.” The Son of God was born whom we will adore and give praise. The Son whom Saint John the Baptist prepared the way for. The Son who will baptize us with the Holy Spirit.

In our Second Reading from the letter of Saint Paul to the Titus, he points out that the appearance of the glory of God and savior Jesus Christ will deliver us from all lawlessness and cleanse for himself a people as his own, eager to do what is good. May all of us be eager to do what is good for one another. May we inculcate in our minds and hearts that in every action or word we do and say we may not hurt instead benefit and care for others. Let’s apply the quotation ‘No man is an island’ since we cannot survive without other's help, love and care. We should always help, care, and love one another like how Jesus Christ cared and loved us.

In our Gospel reading, Mary gave birth to Jesus in a manger because there was no room for them in the inn.  Imagine how Jesus was born. How can you imagine yourselves being born in a manger together with some animals? We are all blessed that we are born in hospitals or even at home and given proper treatment and care. But in the case of Jesus He’s just wrapped in swaddling clothes and laid in a manger. Let’s be thankful and happy in every blessing that we receive and let’s share it with those in need. The spirit of this season encourages us to give care, happiness, and love to one another. We are challenged to let Christ be born not in a lowly manger anymore, but in our hearts. And not only that. From our hearts, let's bring Him to our loved ones and other people.  As Jesus gave joy to God and to us on that first Christmas, may we also give joy to one another .

A joyous and blessed Christmas to all of us!

Prayer

O dear Jesus, we thank God for sending You to be our Savior. We praise Mary too for cooperating in the Father's plan. You are always the light in our journey. May we always follow Your example and go through the path You have prepared for us. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.