1ST READING
The devotion to the Sto. Nino must be one of the most popular in the Philippines. This a good devotion, but like all devotions we must ensure that we do not lose the proper focus on Jesus. As we venerate an image of the Child Jesus, the challenge remains with us to make sure that our faith continues to mature and does not simply remain that of a child. The heart of our faith demands that our faith makes a difference in how we make our choices
Isaiah 9:1-6
1The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; upon those who dwell 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 men 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!
P S A L M
Psalm 98: 1,2-3,3-4,5-6
R: All the ends of the earth have seen the victory of 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 of our God. 4Sing joyfully to the Lord, all you lands; break into song: sing praise. (R) 5Sing praise to the Lord with the harp, with the harp and melodious song.6With trumpets and the sound of the horn sing joyfully before the King, the Lord. (R)
2ND READING
The Christ Child calls us to live and be disciples of Jesus every moment of every day. Does this sound too difficult or too harsh? Does this mean that we should all become saints? No, it is not too harsh a calling and yes, we should strive for sainthood. The only way we will make a lasting difference in the world is by living in accordance with God’s will.
Ephesians 1:3-6, 15-18
3Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has a blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavens, 4as he chose us in him, before the foundation of the world, to be holy and without blemish before him. In love 5he destined us for adoption to himself through Jesus Christ, in accord with the favor of his will, 6for the praise of the glory of his grace that he granted un in the beloved. 15Therefore, I, too, hearing your faith in the Lord Jesus and of your love for all the holy ones, 16do not cease giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, 17that 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. 18May 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
Hospitality is a characteristic of the Gospel message, as it is in many other religions and cultures. There are times and places where it is obvious that hospitality and care for others are essential for the proper respect of human dignity. Love demands that we always respect and care for one another. If only all men and women could do this, we would be able to see a remarkable transformation of international relations. Let us pray for all people to recognize the truth of this calling to mutual and lasting respect for one another.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.
Matthew 18:1-5, 10
1At that time the disciples approached Jesus and said, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” 2He called a child over, places it in their midst, 3and said, “Amen, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. 4Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5And whoever receives one child such as this in my name receives me. 10See that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that their angels in heaven always look upon the face of my heavenly Father.”
think: The heart of our faith demands that our faith makes a difference in how we make our choices.
T O D A Y’S BLESSING LIST
Thank You Lord for: __________________
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God’s special verse/thought for me today_
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READ THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR Matthew 13-15
SABBATH PAUSE
My weekly time with God
THANK YOU LIST
Things to be grateful for from the past week
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SPECIAL NEEDS
Things to ask God for in the coming week
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HIDDEN TREASURE
Most important word God told me this week
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