First Reading | Isaiah 9:1-6
Every year, we faithfully celebrate the Feast of Santo Niño. But do we know what we are celebrating? More than the celebration, this feast reminds us of the humility of Jesus who became Man. Through His obedience to the Father’s will, He gave the gift of salvation to humanity. While we celebrate today’s feast with great joy, let us also keep in our mind and heart the Child Jesus who came to be one of us.
1 The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom, a light has shone. 2You have brought them abundant joy and great rejoicing, as they rejoice before you as at the harvest, as people make merry when dividing spoils. 3For 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. 4For every boot that tramped in battle, every cloak rolled in blood, will be burned as fuel for flames. 5For 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. 6His 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.
Responsorial Psalm | Psalm 98:1, 2-3, 3-4, 5-6
R: All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation by our God.
1Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done wondrous deeds. His right hand has won victory for him, his holy arm. (R) 2The Lord has made his salvation known in the sight of the nations; he has revealed his justice. 3He has remembered his kindness and his faithfulness toward the house of Israel. (R) All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation by our God. 4Sing joyfully to the Lord, all you lands; break into song; sing praise. (R) 5 Sing praise to the Lord with the harp, with the harp and melodious song. 6 With trumpets and the sound of the horn sing joyfully before the King, the Lord. (R)
Second Reading | Ephesians 1:3-6, 15-18
All praise and worship in the world are useless if we do not live as humble disciples of Jesus Christ, our Lord. It is difficult to surrender our life into His hands and obey His will instead of our own. So, He inspires us with the example of athletes who submit to the authority of their coach and undergo rigorous training. Like athletes, let us allow the Holy Spirit to mold us that we may be equipped to proclaim the Gospel and win souls for the Kingdom.
3 Brothers and sisters: Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavens, 4 as he chose us in him, before the foundation of the world, to be holy and without blemish before him. In love 5 he destined us for adoption to himself through Jesus Christ, in accord with the favor of his will, 6 ;for the praise of the glory of his grace that he granted us in the beloved. 15 Therefore, I, too, hearing of your faith in the Lord Jesus and of your love for all the holy ones, 16 do not cease giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, 17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation resulting in knowledge of him. 18 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 | Mark 10:13-16
On the Feast of the Santo Niño, let us reflect on what it means to be a child of God. He encourages us to be childlike, not childish, in our relationship with Him. We are called to trust our heavenly Father in the same way that a child trusts his parents. He wants us to trust Him deeply as His friends, as His disciples. Our relationship with God has many facets. He relates and reveals His love for us in many, many ways.
Gospel Acclamation
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.
13 People were bringing children to Jesus that he might touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. 14 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. 15 Amen, I say to you, whoever does not accept the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it.” 16 Then Jesus embraced them and blessed them, placing his hands on them.
