feasting on the word
"If you meditate on the Scriptures it will appear to you in its brilliant splendor." ―St. Pio of Pietrelcina
Feast of the Holy Child Jesus (C) Isaiah 9:1-6 | Psalm 98: 1-5 | Ephesians 1:3-6.15-18 | Luke 2:41-52 As a nation where children make up 31% of the population—approximately 35 million out of a total of 116 million—Filipinos are renowned for their deep affection for children. The sight of a child brings joy to many, as a child embodies qualities that are welcoming, comforting, and non-threatening. A child's strength lies in its vulnerability, and its influence is rooted in love. It is, therefore, no surprise that Filipinos have nurtured a deep and enduring devotion to the Holy Child Jesus, a tradition that dates back 500 years. This devotion began when the image of El Santo Niño was brought to Cebu and presented as a baptismal gift by Ferdinand Magellan to Rajah Humabon’s wife. For Filipino Catholics, the Holy Child symbolizes a God who is a source of immense joy—a God who is approachable, accessible, and inspires no fear. This devotion is evident in the frequent presence of the image of the Sto. Niño, displayed prominently in family altars, schools, offices, community stores, and even inside jeepneys. Andrew, a young boy from Lian, Batangas, loved spending hours building intricate sandcastles along the shore. One summer, a group of teenage bullies repeatedly destroyed his creations for several days. Determined to protect his work, Andrew devised a clever plan: he embedded cinder blocks, rocks, and chunks of concrete at the base of his sandcastles. When the bullies returned, Andrew hid nearby. What followed were cries of pain and surprise as their bare hands and feet collided with his hidden defenses.
This story reminds us of a deeper truth: even in moments of darkness and vulnerability, God never abandons us. The First Reading from Isaiah offers a prophecy of hope—a promise of a child who would bear the government upon His shoulders, carrying titles that belong to God alone. During Isaiah's time, Judah faced pressure from Israel and Syria to join a coalition against Assyria. King Ahaz of Judah, fearing Assyria’s might, sought their help by offering a king’s ransom, leaving Judah feeling powerless and abandoned. Into this fear and uncertainty, Isaiah delivered a message of hope: a child would come, embodying divine characteristics and carrying the responsibility of governing His people. This child, though seemingly vulnerable, would demonstrate God’s unmatched power. He is the Wonderful Counselor with perfect wisdom to guide us—let’s follow Him. He is the Mighty God who effortlessly defeats His enemies—let’s find refuge in Him. He is the Everlasting Father who loves us unconditionally—let’s take comfort in His embrace. And He is the Prince of Peace who reconciles us with God even when we are His enemies—let’s welcome His reign. God’s answer to every fear and threat is a child, embodying strength through humility. Are you overwhelmed by stress or weighed down by challenges that seem insurmountable? No matter how dark your situation may feel, call upon the name of the Child Jesus. He will never leave you, and His light will guide you through the shadows. On the feast of Sto. Niño, little Timmy sat in the front pew of the church, swinging his legs and munching loudly on a candy bar. As Fr. Dennis preached about humility, Timmy suddenly shouted, “This is boring! Can I preach instead?” The congregation chuckled nervously, and the priest—caught off guard—handed Timmy the microphone. Timmy took it and began, “Okay, everyone. God is like… a superhero, and we’re like ants. But He loves us even though we’re really small and annoying. And you should love each other too. Like how I still love my little brother even though he stole my Legos.” The congregation burst into laughter and applause. But as Timmy handed back the mic, he said, “Oh, and I want more candy for this homily. Amen.” Fr. Dennis smiled and said, “Well, thank you, Timmy. That was both childish and childlike. The Child Jesus did not remain a child. In his letter to the Ephesians, the Apostle Paul reflects on Jesus, not as a little child, but as a grown man who embodies holiness. Through Jesus Christ, all blessings are bestowed upon us. He serves as God's instrument for expressing divine love, granting salvation, and bestowing abundant grace. The Son of God became man to make all people—whether Gentile or Jew, servant or free, man or woman—children of God. Saint Paul reminds us that our calling as God’s children is to be holy and blameless before the Father. As children, we exhibit both positive and negative traits. On one hand, childishness, marked by immaturity, silliness, and foolishness, can be undesirable. These qualities require continuous guidance and correction. On the other hand, a childlike nature reflects obedience, innocence, and humility, qualities that make children endearing and lovable. God’s will is that as we grow older, we should retain the virtues of childlikeness. We are called to remain like children—niños or niñas—in God’s eyes. Through our actions, we either nurture childishness or foster childlikeness. Therefore, we must reflect and ask ourselves: “Am I childish or childlike?” Years ago, Fr. Hector found himself in Tayuman, Manila, browsing the restaurant section of the online yellow pages when he stumbled across an odd entry: "Church of God Grill." The name was so strange it piqued his curiosity, so he decided to call. On the other end, a cheerful voice greeted him, “Hello! Church of God Grill!” Amused and intrigued, Fr. Hector asked how the place ended up with such an unusual name. The man chuckled and explained, “Well, it all started with a little mission we had down here. To help cover expenses, we began selling chicken dinners after church on Sundays. Turns out, people loved the chicken—business took off! We got so busy frying chicken that we had to cut back on the church services. Eventually, we stopped the services altogether and just focused on the chicken. But hey, we kept the name, and now we’re the Church of God Grill!” Jesus was fully aware of his identity and mission. In the Gospel narrative, Mary and Joseph have been raising Jesus for twelve years. It is, therefore, unsurprising that Mary becomes anxious and distressed upon realizing that Jesus is not among their group of travelers. Together, she and Joseph search for him with great concern. After three days, they finally find him. Mary’s first words express her maternal anguish: “Son, why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been looking for you with great anxiety.” Upon finding Jesus, Mary and Joseph attempt to bring him back into the close-knit family circle. However, Jesus gently challenges their expectations by asking, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” This response introduces a significant contrast between Mary’s reference to “your father” and Jesus’ reference to “my Father.” While Mary says, “Your father and I have been searching for you,” Jesus emphasizes his divine mission, responding, “I had to be in my Father’s house.” This moment marks a pivotal shift in Jesus’ relationship with his earthly parents—not a break rooted in disobedience, but an appropriate and necessary acknowledgment of his divine identity as the Son of God. At the age of twelve, Jewish boys traditionally began their formal religious training in the synagogue, were recognized as “sons of the law,” and were expected to embrace strict observance of the Law. Jesus, fully aware of his identity and mission, demonstrates that his first priority is obedience to his Heavenly Father. While he honors Mary and Joseph, he must also fulfill the will of God. Authentic growth often requires letting go. In this instance, Jesus transitions from the home of Mary and Joseph to the home of his Father in heaven. This is not a rejection of his earthly parents but a reordering of relationships, highlighting the supremacy of his divine mission. For us, this moment invites reflection on our own priorities—on the values, beliefs, and relationships that shape our identity and purpose. Spiritual growth demands stepping out of our comfort zones, releasing what is familiar, and embracing a broader, deeper relationship with God. The Gospel story is not merely about Jesus’ growth but also about Mary and Joseph’s spiritual maturation. It calls us to reflect on our own journeys of growth—not as a matter of age, but as a process of cultivating more meaningful connections with God, others, and ourselves. We are challenged to consider: what are the “small homes” we inhabit—those limiting spaces or mindsets that hinder our spiritual growth? What must we leave behind to move closer to the Father’s home? These questions are often difficult and uncomfortable, yet they are rooted in love. The promise of the Gospel assures us that when we prioritize the kingdom of God, we discover our true identity as his children. When we dedicate ourselves to our Father’s business, we find the life we have been longing for. May God grant each of us the strength and wisdom to prioritize him above all and to remain steadfast in our purpose. Viva Pit Señor! <enrique,ofs>
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About JeffJeff Jacinto, PhD, DHum |