A CHILD BORN TO US
On my arrival in the Philippines, one of the first celebrations I was introduced to was the Santo Niño. Sorry for my ignorance, but I had to ask someone what the Santo Niño was. I thought it had something to do with climate change issues surrounding the world these days — oh, that’s El Niño! I soon discovered that Santo Niño is a rich and beautiful devotion to the Infant Jesus. It is the culmination of the Christmas season in Filipino faith.
The feast of the Santo Niño has its origins in the discovery of the Philippines by the Spanish explorer, Magellan. After baptizing and converting the native Queen Juana to the faith, Magellan gifted her with the image of the Infant Jesus. Many years passed after Magellan’s death but the image was found unspoiled. Devotion spread far and wide and many miracles were attributed to the image, affectionately called Santo Niño.
Many centuries before the birth of Christ, Isaiah conveyed a beautiful prophecy. A child was to be born for us. Isaiah prophesies that this Child will be holy, eternal, mighty, wonderful and prince of peace. This of course was fulfilled in Jesus, the Son of God given to us, born of Mary.
In the Gospel, Jesus reminds us to be like little children. In contrast, power and strength is found in the weakness and littleness of a child. There is strength in weakness, power in vulnerability, and greatness in littleness. Today’s feast celebrates a child who is unlimited in power and grace to save — the Infant born in a stable at Bethlehem.
Let today be a day of rejoicing as we remember the children mentioned in the Gospel approaching Jesus. While the disciples were eager to dissuade the children (Jewish culture saw children as insignificant and of little worth), we invite children into our lives as a blessing and gift from God. Let the image of the Santo Niño stir our faith in childlike confidence and simplicity. The Santo Niño reminds us that we are all children of the Heavenly Father. We devote our families and children to the intercession of the Child Jesus today, manifested beautifully in the image of the Santo Niño.Fr. Brian Steele, MGL
REFLECTION QUESTION: Lord Jesus, we thank You for Your power at work in our lives. Help us to remember that we are children of the Father. Amen.
Father, we offer a prayer for all children of the world, especially those exploited in evil pursuits. Save and protect Your little ones, Lord!
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