Welcome to our Bible Study

January 16, 20112nd Sunday A

Feast of the Sto. NiñoIn preparation for this Sunday’s Liturgy

In aid of focusing our homilies and sharing

Prepared by Fr. Cielo R. Almazan, OFM

1st reading: Isaiah 9,1-6

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. 2 You have brought them abundant joy and great rejoicing, as they rejoice before you as at the harvest, as men make merry when dividing spoils. 3 For 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. 4 For every boot that tramped in battle, every cloak rolled in blood, will be burned as fuel for flames. 5 For 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. 6 His 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!

1st reading: Isaiah 9,1-6 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. 2 You have brought them abundant joy and great rejoicing, as they rejoice before you as at the harvest, as men make merry when dividing spoils. 3 For 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. 4 For every boot that tramped in battle, every cloak rolled in blood, will be burned as fuel for flames. 5 For 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. 6 His 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!

The focus is on the child who is born.

1st reading: Isaiah 9,1-6

God’s powerful deeds 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. 2 You have brought them abundant joy and great rejoicing, as they rejoice before you as at the harvest, as men make merry when dividing spoils. 3 For 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. 4 For every boot that tramped in battle, every cloak rolled in blood, will be burned as fuel for flames.

The description of the child 5 For 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. 6 His 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!

A simple outline!

1st reading: Isaiah 9,1-6God’s powerful deeds 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. 2 You have brought them abundant joy and great rejoicing, as they rejoice before you as at the harvest, as men make merry when dividing spoils. 3 For 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. 4 For every boot that tramped in battle, every cloak rolled in blood, will be burned as fuel for flames.

CommentaryIn v.1, the fate of the suffering people is

reversed. It is reported in parallel form. Once walked in darkness, now in great

light // dwelt in gloom, now light. Once sad, now live in abundant joy

and great rejoicing. (not just simple joy and rejoicing. It is qualified / quantified). V.2

The imagery is enhanced by the two similes:

as they rejoice at harvest, as men make merry when dividing

spoils. Once burdened with yoke, now the

smashing of that yoke and: v.3 The pole on their shoulder Rod of their taskmaster

V.4 speaks of the abolition of war. In passive form, those war materials will be burned as fuel. They will be destroyed and be used for better purposes.

1st reading: Isaiah 9,1-6The description of the

child 5 For 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. 6 His 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!

V.5 gives the reason for the great changes that will occur in the life of God’s people. A child is born to us // a son is given

us. His responsibility is great (dominion). V.5 also enumerates his titles:

Wonder-counselor (good listener) God-hero (defender, victorious liberator)

Father-forever (strange image, but applicable to the son)

Prince of Peace (peacemaker) V.6 describes his dominion, first

mentioned in v.5: vast and peaceful It is maintained by judgment and justice.

(punishment and reward)

Reflections on the 1st reading For the Catholic interpreter, the child in the book of Isaiah

must refer to the Sto. Niño. The reading signals that this child is not an ordinary child. He is destined to establish a kingdom of justice and

peace. He has the qualities of a good leader. Both his heart (counselor) and mind (giving justice) are

working. In his reign, all will be well. Everyone will live in the light, in unbounded happiness

and joy. Therefore, if we want to benefit from him, we must subject

ourselves to his wisdom and to his rule.

Resp.Ps 40:2, 4, 7-8, 8-9, 10 R. (8a and 9a) Here am I, Lord; I come to do your will.

2 I have waited, waited for the LORD,and he stooped toward me and heard my cry.4 And he put a new song into my mouth,a hymn to our God.

7 Sacrifice or offering you wished not,but ears open to obedience you gave me.8 Holocausts or sin-offerings you sought not;then said I, “Behold I come.”

8 “In the written scroll it is prescribed for me,9 to do your will, O my God, is my delight,and your law is within my heart!”

10 I announced your justice in the vast assembly;I did not restrain my lips, as you, O LORD, know.

Resp.Ps 40:2, 4, 7-8, 8-9, 10 R. (8a and 9a) Here am I, Lord; I come to

do your will.

2 I have waited, waited for the LORD,and he stooped toward me and heard my cry.4 And he put a new song into my mouth,a hymn to our God.

7 Sacrifice or offering you wished not,but ears open to obedience you gave me.8 Holocausts or sin-offerings you sought not; then said I, “Behold I come.”

8 “In the written scroll it is prescribed for me,9 to do your will, O my God, is my delight,and your law is within my heart!”

10 I announced your justice in the vast assembly;I did not restrain my lips, as you, O LORD, know.

Commentary V.2 celebrates God’s mercy for

the psalmist, who was in dire need of God.

Vv.2b and 4 acknowledge God’s response to the psalmist’s prayer.

God listened God gave him a new song, hymn

v.4 Vv.7-8 indicate God’s preference

to listening ears and obedience to God’s word over sacrifices, holocausts and sin-offerings (those rituals).

Vv.8-9 pick up the idea of Psalm 1.

In v.10, the psalmist reports to God that he has given witness to His words.

Reflections on the Psalm

The psalmist reads the mind of God. God prefers the keepers of his Word than the

elaborate rituals developed by humans. We, Christians, must appreciate the same. We must be, first of all, listeners to the Word of God. We must give priority to studying the Word of God. The Word of God will help us how to live our faith

truly (practice of justice and charity), and to worship God properly.

2nd reading: Ephesians 1,3-6.15-18

3 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.

2nd reading: Ephesians 1,3-6.15-18 3 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.

The focus is on Jesus Christ.

2nd reading: Ephesians 1,3-6.15-18

Blessing to God and Father 3 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.

Faith of the Ephesians 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.

Wish of Paul 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.

A simple outline!

2nd reading: Ephesians 1,3-6.15-18Blessing to God and Father 3 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.

Wishes of Paul to the Ephesians 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.

Wish of Paul 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.

Commentary The reading is focused on God and

Father. But the author gives more space and

time to the Son, the object of many prepositions.

God works to us through Jesus Christ.

He blessed us in Christ v.3 He chose us in him v.4 He destined us for adoption

through him v.5 He granted us glory in the

beloved. V.6 God the Father truly does wonderful

things to us through his son, Jesus Christ.

Vv.15-18 express two prayers of Paul to the Ephesians because of their faith in Jesus. V.15 That the God of Jesus may give

them a spirit of wisdom and revelation… v.17

That you may know what is the hope that belongs to his call.. V.18

Reflections on the 2nd reading

Although the reading is centered on acknowledging God and Father, we focus ourselves on Jesus Christ.

Jesus is God’s instrument in dealing with us, humans, in effecting his love and salvation to all of us, in gifting us with his many graces.

As God does not do away with Jesus in relating himself to us, we cannot also do away with Jesus in approaching God.

Jesus Christ mediates. On the part of Paul (not really the writer), the Ephesians’ faith in Jesus

and their love for their fellow Christians trigger Paul to pray more for the community.

The reading expresses joy and happiness over God’s bountiful love and the response of faith and love.

Paul has found two sources of his joy: God who works through Jesus and the Ephesians who believe.

We, Christians, must find joy in loving Jesus and our fellow Christians.

Gospel reading: Matthew 18,1-5.10

1 The disciples approached Jesus and said, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" 2 He called a child over, placed it in their midst, 3 and said, "Amen, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5 And whoever receives one child such as this in my name receives me.

10 "See 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.

Gospel reading: Matthew 18,1-5.10

1 The disciples approached Jesus and said, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" 2 He called a child over, placed it in their midst, 3 and said, "Amen, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5 And whoever receives one child such as this in my name receives me.

10 "See 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.

The focus is on the child (Jesus).

Gospel reading: Matthew 18,1-5.10

Greatest in the kingdom 1 The disciples approached Jesus and said, "Who is the

greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" 2 He called a child over, placed it in their midst,

Sayings 3 and said, "Amen, I say to you, unless you turn and

become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.

4 Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

5 And whoever receives one child such as this in my name receives me.

10 "See 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.

A simple outline!

Gospel reading: Matthew 18,1-5.10Greatest in the kingdom 1 The disciples approached

Jesus and said, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" 2 He called a child over, placed it in their midst,

Sayings 3 and said, "Amen, I say to

you, unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.

4 Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

5 And whoever receives one child such as this in my name receives me.

10 "See 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.

Commentary Focus on the question - Who is the greatest?

Why are they asking such a question? Do the disciples understand the difference between the earthly kingdom and the kingdom of heaven? v.1

In v.2, Jesus uses a prop (child) to explain his answer. Why a child? Who is this child?

In v.3, Jesus challenges his disciples: Unless you turn and become like children…

V.3 talks about the need for conversion in order to enter the kingdom of heaven. This is not yet the answer to the question in v.1

V.4 gives the answer: The greatest is the one who humbles

himself like a child. In v.5, Jesus identifies himself with the child.

He who accepts (welcomes) the child accepts (welcomes) Jesus.

In v.10, Jesus vehemently asks his disciples not to despise (to look down, to discredit, or to make fun of) any of the children.

God loves them. They have guardian angels.

Reflections on the gospel reading Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? The

children. Jesus must be referring to new recruits, new comers,

new members of the community. They are enthusiastic about the new faith they have

adopted. They may be professionals, accomplished people,

experts in their own fields, but beginners in the Christian faith.

They humble themselves by subjecting themselves to the scrutiny by the old members, who may not be as smart / successful as they are.

Jesus challenges the old members to be humble, to be as fresh as the new ones, who are docile, enthusiastic and excited about the ever new teaching of God.

Tying the 3 readings and the Psalm

The first reading is about the greatness of the child who is born.

The psalm points to the divine word (Jesus), who should be preferred over rituals.

The second reading talks about Jesus whom God uses to bring blessings to us.

The gospel reading teaches about the humility of a child/person, as the way to be the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

How to develop your homily / sharing

The Sto. Niño is the focus of our homily or sharing.

The priest must not, in any way, promote fanaticism in his sermon.

Some Christians have turned the real and religious meaning of the Holy Child into a fashion show and pageantry.

Other Christians have turned the image of Sto. Niño into an amulet (agimat).

The priest-preacher must remind the devotees of Sto. Niño of the correct disposition toward the devotion.

Let us ask ourselves, we, who have a devotion to the Sto. Niño, if we have captured the real meaning of his becoming and being a child.

The preacher must make this feast day meaningful by developing the theme of humility as we have seen in the gospel.

The gospel reading rightly answers the question who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. He who humbles himself.

Jesus himself is the greatest, for he humbled himself.

Jesus humbles himself in the incarnation. He becomes human like us. He empties himself of his being God and lives

like a mortal being, like us, except sin. As if that is not yet enough, when he grows up,

he allows himself to be further humbled (humiliated) by people who think they know God better.

As a humble servant, he willingly forgives those who insult him.

He knows and owns everything, he is the most qualified to do everything for God, yet, he submits himself to a mob, which unjustly and unfairly treats him and gives him a poor trial.

Humility is accepting trials and sufferings, which you think you don’t deserve.

We, too, are called to practice humility.

The first reading describes the Holy Child perfectly well.

Though the prophet does not specifically refer to the Holy Child, we, Christian readers, believe that the child that is born with the big titles and with a big mission is none other than Jesus Christ.

Yet, this Jesus seems not to succeed because proud people ignore him.

They pay lip service to him and do their own thing.

The second reading talks about Jesus, no longer as a Holy Child, but as a grown up Holy Man.

Jesus humbly becomes God’s instrument in delivering his graces to us.

God the Father does not do anything for us if not through, in, and for his Son Jesus.

So, all our thoughts and actions must revolve around Jesus, the incarnate Word.

We must not make fun of Jesus, by dressing his image the way we want, thinking that he is no more than that.

Instead, we busy ourselves with taking care of real children of flesh and blood.

In the eucharist, once more Jesus humbles himself by becoming food for our body and soul.

In the eucharist, Jesus allows himself to be an instrument to draw us closer to God.

In the eucharist, Jesus invites us to be humble like him, to be the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

Our Context of Sin and Grace

Exaggerated celebration of Sto. Nino, more of a show, than listening to the message

Pride, arrogance, vindictive Orphans Malnourished children Overweight children (obese, no

control of food intake, no discipline) Children, exposed too much to

TV shows, have lost their imagination

Unparented children Out of school children Street children Child laborers, child soldiers

Image of Sto. Niño in each home

Humble, able to absorb pain and frustration

Children’s Rights Hapag-asa Feeding programs Catechumenate programs Adult catechism On-going formation Jesus seen as a teacher,

who carries a message rather than a male baby / barbie doll

Sagip-Bata, Bantay-Bata

Suggested Songs

Lord, have mercy http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PpRghV_Ngnc

It’s Time to Prepare http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SIandBaBMck

Holy, Holy http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=104r1805jL0