JANUARY 21, 2024 - SUNDAY
FEAST OF THE SANTO NIÑO (White)
(Proper Feast in the Philippines)
Holy Childhood Day
CYCLE B - YEAR II
Reading 1
Is 9:1-6
Saw a big light
the city has long been in darkness,
the light has shone
to the people living in a land shrouded in darkness.
You encouraged their celebration,
you increased their delight.
Like people at harvest time,
such as people dividing confiscated wealth.
You have conquered the nation that enslaved your people
such as defeating the army of Midian.
You broke the whip of their tormentors.
For the shoe of warriors,
all clothing stained with blood will be burned.
Because a baby boy was born for us.
A child was given to us
And he will rule over us.
He is the Wonderful Counselor, the Mighty God,
eternal Father, the Prince of Peace.
Extensive power and eternal peace
will be granted to the throne of David and his reign
to stabilize it and maintain it
in justice and righteousness
now and forever.
The Almighty Lord will do it.
Responsorial Psalm
97:1. 2-3. 3-4. 5-6
because what he did was truly amazing!
In his own strength and inherent holiness,
effortlessly attained that desired success.
R. All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.
salvation has been made known to the nations.
The promise to Israel he fully fulfills.
The victory of our God is everywhere!
Shout for joy, all the earth;
the Lord is glad to be praised in singing!
and praise the Lord with melodious music.
Also play the trumpet with the horn,
shout before the Lord our king.
Reading 2
Eph 1:3-6.15-18
Let us give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! He has given us all spiritual blessings because of our union with Christ. And in this union with us, he chose us before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. Because of God’s love, he ordained us to be his children through Jesus Christ. That is his purpose and will. Let us praise him for his wonderful care for us through his beloved Son!
So, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the elect, I have been constantly thanking God for you. I remember you in my prayers, and ask the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the great Father, to give you the spirit of wisdom and the true knowledge of him. May God enlighten your minds so that you know what we expect when he calls us. This is the glory he has reserved for his elect.
Alleluia
John 1, 14. 12
R. Alleluia, AlleluiaThe Word became man,
so that all may believe
will he make great.
Gospel
Mk 10:13-16
but the disciples rebuked them.
When Jesus saw this he became indignant and said to them,
“Let the children come to me; do not prevent them,
for the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these.
Amen, I say to you,
whoever does not accept the Kingdom of God like a child
will not enter it.”
Then he embraced the children and blessed them,
placing his hands on them.
REFLECTION:
The Gospel urges us to love. This scene shows how Jesus understood that with children. A crowd of them interrupted his preaching, and the apostles were shooing them away. They were noisy, energetic, enjoying life, running instinctively towards someone who also enjoyed it. The apostles spoke sternly to those who brought them: These kids are not serious. We are here to listen to the Sermon on the Mount and we can't hear him properly with all this noise and commotion. Jesus intervened, invited the children closer and laid his hands on them. He gave them two precious things that cost no money: time and affection.
Our treatment of children and of the vulnerable, of outcasts and those with disabilities can fall far short of what Jesus demands. The courage to reflect gently on past failings can give us wisdom and freedom to do better in the future.
Do I take the time to nourish and connect with my childlike qualities? This will help me retain a sense of wonder, awe, gratitude and excitement in the small things of creation.
PRAYER:
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