DAILY- HOMILY

January 14, 2018 – Sunday, Feast of the Sto. Niño

Proper Feast in the Philippines

Feast. White

Is 9: 1- 16 / Eph 1: 3- 6, 15- 18 / Mk 10: 13 -16

Philippine devotion to the Sto. Nino goes back to 1521 when Spanish explorer Ferdinand Magellan gave a wooden statue of the Sto. Nino to Queen Juana of Cebu as a baptismal gift.

FROM THE 1ST REAding:               Is 9: 1 - 2, 5-6

The people who walk in darkness have seen a great light, A light has dawned on those who live in the land of the shadow of death.  You have enlarged the nation; you have increased their joy.  They rejoice before you, as the people rejoice at harvest time as they rejoice in dividing the spoil. ..

For a child is born for us, a son is given us; the royal ornament is laid upon his shoulder, and his named is proclaimed: "Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." To the increase of his powerful rule in peace, there will be no end. Vast will be his dominion, he will reign on David's throne and over all his kingdom, to establish and uphold it with justice and righteousness from this time onward and forever.

FROM THE 2ND READING:            Eph 1: 5-6

From eternity to eternity he destined us in love to be his sons and daughters through Christ Jesus, thus fulfilling his free and generous will. This goal suited him: that his loving kindness which he granted us in his Beloved might finally receive all glory and praise.

GOSPEL READING:           Mk 10: 13 - 16

People were bringing their little children to him to have him touch them, and the disciples rebuked them for this. When Jesus noticed it, he was very angry and said, "Let the children come to me and don't stop them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.  Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it."  Then he took the children in his arms and laying his hands on them, blessed them.

REFLECTION

The Philippine Church celebrates the Feast of the Sto. Nino today: it is a celebration of the mysteries of the childhood of Jesus, from his incarnation and birth to his childhood and hidden years in Nazareth before his public ministry, as they relate to the Paschal mystery of his death and resurrection.

The Son of God entered our world as a lovely infant, a winsome Babe. The image of the child brings home to us our utter dependence on God in everything: life, health, talents, family..  The image of a child is one of humility, innocence, purity of heath, joy and love.

In the Gospel reading, Jesus tells his disciples: "Let the children come to me and don't stop them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it."

What does the childhood of Jesus say to us today?

A child is one who wonders at the world around him, at the great mysteries of life and creation, of the wonderful world around him.  A child can have a deeper sense of God's grandeur and power..

A child is innocent, untouched by previous prejudices. He is then more open to God's presence and revelation. He feels and says what is in his heart.  This child-like innocence is so important in our relationship with God our Father.

A child's humility and helplessness are the genuine pattern of Christian behavior of truth and dependence with God and his fellows.

To the world, greatness and success mean wealth, fame and power. But for

Christ, to be poor in spirit, simple and humble are the secret of Christian success.

The Feast of the Sto. Niño invites us to dance to the tune of divine love in a simple manner of living and loving.

Viva e! Senor! Viva Sto. Niño !

WE PRAY FOR MTQ DAILY PRAYER INTENTIONS:

BIRTHDAY 

     Shay Canon

     Fit Christian M. Cruz

     Rosa B. Cua

     Monica Fainsan

     Lynda R. Sibal 

WEDDING ANNIVERSARY 

     Brian & Ria Salonga 

IN MEMORIAM {+} 

     Florencia B. Cabrera

Finally, we pray for one another, for those who have asked our prayers and for those who need our prayers the most. 

Have a good day!

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   |  The Daily Prayer, a service and an apostolate of the

   |  priests, laity and friends of Mary the Queen Parish

   |  distributed free and for personal use only.  

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