WelWelccoommee to to OOuur Bir Bibble Sle Sttududyy

FFeast east oof thf thee Sto. Sto. NNiñoiño(Philippines)(Philippines)

17 January 201617 January 2016In preparation for this Sunday’s liturgyIn preparation for this Sunday’s liturgy

As As aaid in foid in foccusing our husing our hoomilimiliees and sharings and sharing

Prepared by Fr. Cielo R. Almazan, OFM

11stst Reading: Isaiah 9,1-6 Reading: Isaiah 9,1-6 1The 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 born!

11stst Reading: Isaiah 9,1-6 Reading: Isaiah 9,1-6People liberated 1The 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.

Tools of oppression no more 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 child and his designations 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!

Textual Context of Textual Context of Isaiah 9,1-6Isaiah 9,1-6 First Isaiah First Isaiah - 1-39- 1-39 Second Isaiah Second Isaiah - 40-55- 40-55 Third Isaiah Third Isaiah - 56-66- 56-66

Outline by BoadtOutline by Boadt 1-12 Oracles against Judah most from Isaiah's early years (740-732)1-12 Oracles against Judah most from Isaiah's early years (740-732)13-23 Oracles against foreign nations, many from his middle years (724-705)13-23 Oracles against foreign nations, many from his middle years (724-705)24-27 A "Little Apocalypse" added at a much later date, perhaps 24-27 A "Little Apocalypse" added at a much later date, perhaps in the sixth centuryin the sixth century28-33 Oracles from Isaiah's later ministry (705-700)28-33 Oracles from Isaiah's later ministry (705-700)34-35 A vision of Zion, perhaps a later addition34-35 A vision of Zion, perhaps a later addition36-39 Stories of Isaiah's life, some from the Book of Kings (see 2 Kgs 18-19)36-39 Stories of Isaiah's life, some from the Book of Kings (see 2 Kgs 18-19)

The Prophet Isaiah

11stst Reading: Isaiah 9,1-6 Reading: Isaiah 9,1-6People liberated 1The 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.

Tools of oppression no more 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 child and his designations 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!

CommentaryCommentary Vv.1-2 in parallel style talk about Vv.1-2 in parallel style talk about

people experiencing light, people experiencing light, abundant joy, after a period of abundant joy, after a period of darkness.darkness.

Simile is also employed Simile is also employed (as at the (as at the harvest, as men make merry…)harvest, as men make merry…) v.2 v.2

Vv.3-4 give initial reasons for Vv.3-4 give initial reasons for rejoicing: violent end of violencerejoicing: violent end of violence

Yoke, pole, rod are smashedYoke, pole, rod are smashed Boot, cloak will be burnedBoot, cloak will be burned

V.5 gives a better reason to V.5 gives a better reason to rejoice: birth of a rejoice: birth of a childchild // // sonson is is given; with terrific titles given; with terrific titles (for adult leader, with divine character)

V.6 talks of the extent of his V.6 talks of the extent of his territory territory (dominion, sphere)(dominion, sphere) and also and also of his exercise of power of his exercise of power (peace, (peace, judgment and justice).judgment and justice).

Reflections on the 1Reflections on the 1stst Reading Reading On this Feast of Sto. On this Feast of Sto. NiñoNiño, it is but proper to focus our , it is but proper to focus our

attention on the child born.attention on the child born. The description of the The description of the childchild / / sonson sends a strong message to sends a strong message to

the oppressors of Israel the oppressors of Israel (God’s people, people trusting in God for their (God’s people, people trusting in God for their liberation).liberation).

The The childchild is not something / someone to be babied, not a is not something / someone to be babied, not a weakling, but a strong leader.weakling, but a strong leader.

The The childchild should be dealt with according to his destiny should be dealt with according to his destiny (to (to defeat machineries of oppression and to rule over Israel with wisdom, peace, defeat machineries of oppression and to rule over Israel with wisdom, peace, justice and good judgment).justice and good judgment).

The The childchild liberates the people of Israel from oppressive rule. liberates the people of Israel from oppressive rule. Oppressors should not belittle Oppressors should not belittle Sto. NiñoSto. Niño. With his coming, . With his coming,

they should know that their end is near.they should know that their end is near.

Responsorial Psalm 98,1-5Responsorial Psalm 98,1-5 Response: All the ends of the earth have seen the saving

power of God. V.3

1 Sing a new song to the LORD, for he has done wondrous deeds, His right hand won the victory for him, his holy arm.

2 The LORD has made his salvation known, in the sight of the nations, he has revealed his justice. 3 He has remembered his kindness and faithfulness love toward the house of Israel.

3 All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation by our God. 4 Sing joyfully to the Lord, all you lands; break into song; sing praise.

5 Sing praise to the LORD with the harp, with the harp and melodious song. 6 With trumpets and the sound of the harp, sing joyfully before the King the Lord.

Responsorial Psalm 98,1-5Responsorial Psalm 98,1-5 Resp: All the ends of the earth have

seen the saving power of God. V.3

1 Sing a new song to the LORD, for he has done wondrous deeds, His right hand won the victory for him, his holy arm.

2 The LORD has made his salvation known, in the sight of the nations, he has revealed his justice. 3 He has remembered his kindness and faithfulness love toward the house of Israel.

3 All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation by our God. 4 Sing joyfully to the Lord, all you lands; break into song; sing praise.

5 Sing praise to the LORD with the harp, with the harp and melodious song. 6 With trumpets and the sound of the harp, sing joyfully before the King the Lord.

CommentaryCommentary The psalm is an invitation to The psalm is an invitation to

celebrate. celebrate. We celebrate for the following We celebrate for the following

reasons:reasons: God’s wondrous deeds.God’s wondrous deeds. His salvation and justice, v.2His salvation and justice, v.2 His kindness and faithfulness, His kindness and faithfulness,

v.3v.3 How to celebrate?How to celebrate?

Sing a new song, v.1Sing a new song, v.1 Sing joyfully, break into song, Sing joyfully, break into song,

sing praise, v.4sing praise, v.4 Sing praise with the harp, Sing praise with the harp,

melodious song, with trumpets.melodious song, with trumpets.

Reflections on the PsalmReflections on the Psalm We Christians should be celebrative.We Christians should be celebrative. Our celebrations must be joyful, accompanied by Our celebrations must be joyful, accompanied by

singing and musical instruments.singing and musical instruments. When we celebrate, we acknowledge God’s When we celebrate, we acknowledge God’s

wonderful deeds to us, his justice, peace and wonderful deeds to us, his justice, peace and salvation.salvation.

We show our appreciation for his power.We show our appreciation for his power.

22ndnd Reading: Ephesians 1,3-6.15-18 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 of the reading is on the Father; but since it is the feast of Sto. Niño, let us focus on Jesus Christ.

22ndnd Reading: Ephesians 1,3-6.15-18 Reading: Ephesians 1,3-6.15-18God’s actions to us in and through Christ 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.

Paul’s actions and wishes 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. 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!

Textual Context of Eph 1,3-6.15-18Textual Context of Eph 1,3-6.15-18

Outline of Ephesians (Perkins)Greeting (1,1-2)Thanksgiving for redemption and knowledge of heavenly mysteries in Christ (1:3-14)Through the apostle God has made the Gentiles alive in Christ (1:15-3:21)

1. Prayer for the faith, love and hope of those whom God has made part of the body of the heavenly Christ (1:15-23)

2. Contrast between their old "death" in sin and life in Christ (2:1-10)3. Reconciliation of the Gentiles to God in the one body of Christ(2:11-22) 4. Paul's suffering and ministry to bring the Gentiles into the body of Christ (3:1-

13)5. Prayer for faith and love among Paul's converts (3:14-21)

Christian life in the world (4:1-6:20)1. Unity in the body of Christ which is built up by different ministries (4:1-16)2. Old life in "darkness" contrasted with new life as "children of light" (4:17-5:21)3. Household code: Marriage in Christ; children and parents; slaves and masters

(5:22-6:9)

22ndnd Reading: Ephesians 1,3-6.15-18 Reading: Ephesians 1,3-6.15-18God’s actions to us in and through

Christ 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.

Paul’s actions and wishes 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. 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.

CommentaryCommentary The liturgists chose vv.3-6 and 15-18 The liturgists chose vv.3-6 and 15-18

as the 2as the 2ndnd reading. reading. Vv.3-6 talk about the Father who acts Vv.3-6 talk about the Father who acts

favorably on the Christian believers in favorably on the Christian believers in and through Christ. and through Christ.

The actions of the Father are the The actions of the Father are the following: following:

HeHe blessed blessed us, us, He He chosechose us to be holy and blameless, us to be holy and blameless, He He destineddestined us for adoption. us for adoption.

Vv.15-18 talk about Paul’s feelings Vv.15-18 talk about Paul’s feelings because of the Ephesians’ because of the Ephesians’

FaithFaith LoveLove

Paul expresses his feelings by:Paul expresses his feelings by: Not ceasing to give Not ceasing to give thanksthanks RememberingRemembering you in my prayers you in my prayers WishingWishing that God may give you spirit of that God may give you spirit of

wisdom, revelation, eyes of hearts wisdom, revelation, eyes of hearts enlightened, may have knowledge…enlightened, may have knowledge…

Reflections on the 2Reflections on the 2ndnd reading reading Once again, we should be reminded that we are Once again, we should be reminded that we are

celebrating the feast of celebrating the feast of Sto. NiñoSto. Niño. So, here, we must be . So, here, we must be keen again on the ideas which refer to Christ.keen again on the ideas which refer to Christ.

We have seen in the reading that God the Father operates We have seen in the reading that God the Father operates in us through in us through ChristChrist. .

This This Sto. NiñoSto. Niño was already busy even when he was still was already busy even when he was still very young, a little boy.very young, a little boy.

Devotees of Devotees of Sto. NiñoSto. Niño must be thankful to the Father. must be thankful to the Father. They should not do their devotions to They should not do their devotions to himhim as if the Father as if the Father

does not exist.does not exist. We can appreciate We can appreciate Sto. Niño betterSto. Niño better, and have a more , and have a more

meaningful devotion to meaningful devotion to himhim, if we see , if we see himhim associated with associated with the Father. the Father.

Gospel Reading: Luke 2,41-52Gospel Reading: Luke 2,41-52 41 Each year his parents went to Jerusalem for the feast of Passover,

42 and when he was twelve years old, they went up according to festival custom. 43 After they had completed its days, as they were returning, the boy Jesus remained behind in Jerusalem, but his parents did not know it. 44 Thinking that he was in the caravan, they journeyed for a day and looked for him among their relatives and acquaintances, 45 but not finding him, they returned to Jerusalem to look for him. 46 After three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions, 47 and all who heard him were astounded at his understanding and his answers. 48 When his parents saw him, they were astonished, and his mother said to him, "Son, why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been looking for you with great anxiety." 49 And he said to them, "Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house?" 50 But they did not understand what he said to them. 51 He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them; and his mother kept all these things in her heart. 52 And Jesus advanced (in) wisdom and age and favor before God and man.

The focus is on the boy Jesus.

Gospel Reading: Luke 2,41-52Gospel Reading: Luke 2,41-52Setting: The young boy Jesus 41 Each year his parents went to Jerusalem for the feast of Passover, 42

and when he was twelve years old, they went up according to festival custom.

The lost boy Jesus 43 After they had completed its days, as they were returning, the boy Jesus

remained behind in Jerusalem, but his parents did not know it. 44 Thinking that he was in the caravan, they journeyed for a day and looked for him among their relatives and acquaintances, 45 but not finding him, they returned to Jerusalem to look for him.

The found boy Jesus, the intelligent one 46 After three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the

teachers, listening to them and asking them questions, 47 and all who heard him were astounded at his understanding and his answers. 48 When his parents saw him, they were astonished, and his mother said to him, "Son, why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been looking for you with great anxiety." 49 And he said to them, "Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house?" 50 But they did not understand what he said to them.

The obedient boy Jesus 51 He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to

them; and his mother kept all these things in her heart. 52 And Jesus advanced (in) wisdom and age and favor before God and man.

A simple outline!

Gospel Reading: Luke 2,41-52Gospel Reading: Luke 2,41-52Setting: The young boy Jesus 41 Each year his parents went to Jerusalem

for the feast of Passover, 42 and when he was twelve years old, they went up according to festival custom.

The lost boy Jesus 43 After they had completed its days, as they

were returning, the boy Jesus remained behind in Jerusalem, but his parents did not know it. 44 Thinking that he was in the caravan, they journeyed for a day and looked for him among their relatives and acquaintances, 45 but not finding him, they returned to Jerusalem to look for him.

The found boy Jesus, the intelligent one 46 After three days they found him in the

temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions, 47 and all who heard him were astounded at his understanding and his answers. 48 When his parents saw him, they were astonished, and his mother said to him, "Son, why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been looking for you with great anxiety." 49 And he said to them, "Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house?" 50 But they did not understand what he said to them.

The obedient boy Jesus 51 He went down with them and came to

Nazareth, and was obedient to them; and his mother kept all these things in her heart. 52 And Jesus advanced (in) wisdom and age and favor before God and man.

CommentaryCommentaryThe text is a part of the Infancy Narrative of Luke 1-2. The text is a part of the Infancy Narrative of Luke 1-2.

It is the last story of the infancy narrative.It is the last story of the infancy narrative.Since it is the feast of Sto. Niño, we must focus our Since it is the feast of Sto. Niño, we must focus our

attention on anything that pertains to the boy attention on anything that pertains to the boy Jesus.Jesus.

JesusJesus was 12 years old was 12 years old (v.41)(v.41) JesusJesus went up to Jerusalem went up to Jerusalem (v.41)(v.41) JesusJesus remained in Jerusalem after the remained in Jerusalem after the

Passover Passover (v.43); was lost in effect.(v.43); was lost in effect. JesusJesus was found after 3 days was found after 3 days (v.46)(v.46) JesusJesus was sitting in the midst of teachers, was sitting in the midst of teachers,

listening, asking questions listening, asking questions (v.46).(v.46). JesusJesus asked a question to his parents also: asked a question to his parents also:

“Why were you looking for me?”“Why were you looking for me?” JesusJesus must be in his Father’s house, must be in his Father’s house,

obedient to the Father obedient to the Father (v.49)(v.49) JesusJesus went with his parents, obedient to went with his parents, obedient to

them them (v.51)(v.51) JesusJesus advanced in wisdom, age and favor… advanced in wisdom, age and favor…

(v.52)(v.52)

Reflections on the gospel readingReflections on the gospel reading The boy Jesus respected the traditions of his parents The boy Jesus respected the traditions of his parents (to go to

Jerusalem annually to celebrate the feast of the Passover). It is presumed It is presumed that he also accompanied his father to attend other that he also accompanied his father to attend other important Jewish feasts. He understood their concerns.important Jewish feasts. He understood their concerns.

In the Temple, the boy In the Temple, the boy JesusJesus finds home and school: He finds home and school: He must be in his Father’s house; he discusses with the must be in his Father’s house; he discusses with the learned.learned.

The gospel reading portrays Jesus as obedient to the The gospel reading portrays Jesus as obedient to the Father in heaven and to his parents. Father in heaven and to his parents.

The The feast of Sto. Niñofeast of Sto. Niño should lead us to teach our kids should lead us to teach our kids obedience. In no way should they be allowed to break rules obedience. In no way should they be allowed to break rules and show disrespect to parents and established rules and and show disrespect to parents and established rules and regulations.regulations.

Tying the 3 readings and the PsalmTying the 3 readings and the Psalm The The first readingfirst reading focuses on the focuses on the sonson who gives who gives hopehope to to

the nation.the nation. The The psalmpsalm invites us to celebrate wondrous deeds of invites us to celebrate wondrous deeds of

God.God. The The second readingsecond reading focuses on the role of focuses on the role of Jesus, son of Jesus, son of

God,God, in our salvation. The Father gives favors to us in our salvation. The Father gives favors to us through and in him. He is the through and in him. He is the channel of God’schannel of God’s blessingsblessings..

The The gospel readinggospel reading focuses on focuses on JesusJesus’ ’ obedienceobedience to the to the Father / and parents. By obedience, he grew Father / and parents. By obedience, he grew in wisdom in wisdom and favor.and favor.

We should view Sto. Niño as a person / God who brings hope and blessings to the God-fearing people and causes downfall to oppressors.

The preacher should discuss the theological meaning of obedience, a characteristic expected of a child.

How to develop your homily and sharingHow to develop your homily and sharing Begin by telling a story of children how they interact with Begin by telling a story of children how they interact with

the parents or teachers, how they follow instructions: the parents or teachers, how they follow instructions: “Let us sing, let us dance, go the board, submit your “Let us sing, let us dance, go the board, submit your assignments…, etc.”assignments…, etc.”

In school, children are trained to obey. Their attention is In school, children are trained to obey. Their attention is called if they don’t obey.called if they don’t obey.

The feast of The feast of Sto. NiñoSto. Niño should remind us of a seemingly should remind us of a seemingly long forgotten characteristic of a child, i.e., long forgotten characteristic of a child, i.e., obedienceobedience..

It is the duty of parents to train their children to do the It is the duty of parents to train their children to do the right thing right thing ((obedienceobedience to rules and regulations, parents, school policies, to rules and regulations, parents, school policies, group decisions)group decisions) and to call their attention if they are and to call their attention if they are disrespectful and are doing the wrong things.disrespectful and are doing the wrong things.

No one should condone any wrongdoing (No one should condone any wrongdoing (disobediencedisobedience), ), ““kasi bata pa sila.” (Consentidor!)kasi bata pa sila.” (Consentidor!)

The The child Jesuschild Jesus became great because he learned became great because he learned obedienceobedience from his parents. His parents made their from his parents. His parents made their feelings / opinions felt when something went wrong feelings / opinions felt when something went wrong (on his or their part). He grew in wisdom and favor. (on his or their part). He grew in wisdom and favor.

Sto. NiñoSto. Niño was aware of his mission at an early age. was aware of his mission at an early age. He was discussing already with the experts; he no He was discussing already with the experts; he no longer wanted to hold the “longer wanted to hold the “sayasaya” of his mother. ” of his mother. With wisdom and purpose, he lived his life.With wisdom and purpose, he lived his life.

This is the goal of every child rearing/parenting. This is the goal of every child rearing/parenting. We just don’t multiply children without training We just don’t multiply children without training them to be somebody someday.them to be somebody someday.

Alas there are lots of irresponsible parents who multiply Alas there are lots of irresponsible parents who multiply childrenchildren without feeling obliged to train without feeling obliged to train themthem to obey, to to obey, to attain a good future attain a good future (Giving food and allowance is not enough. Important also is inculcating human, moral and spiritual values into their minds through example.)

The first readingThe first reading talks about the birth of a talks about the birth of a childchild who will be who will be doing a big job. He will be a doing a big job. He will be a responsibleresponsible (wise and just) (wise and just) leader of the nation, leader of the nation, obeyingobeying the Father. We Christians the Father. We Christians interpret this interpret this childchild as referring to Christ. as referring to Christ.

The second readingThe second reading talks about Christ, responsible for our talks about Christ, responsible for our blessings and graces (salvation). Through his blessings and graces (salvation). Through his obedienceobedience to the Father, we are saved. He has good relations with to the Father, we are saved. He has good relations with the Father. the Father.

The gospel readingThe gospel reading portrays the boy Jesus’ portrays the boy Jesus’ obedienceobedience to to the Father and his parents at an early age. This continues the Father and his parents at an early age. This continues up to his death on the cross. Jesus lives in up to his death on the cross. Jesus lives in obedienceobedience though it entails pain and suffering.though it entails pain and suffering.

What happens if we don’t learn What happens if we don’t learn obedienceobedience? ? Chaos, anarchy Chaos, anarchy Everybody does his/her own thing.Everybody does his/her own thing. No community, no family, no orderly parish, no good No community, no family, no orderly parish, no good

organization, no good leaders, no blessings, no organization, no good leaders, no blessings, no favors. favors.

We spend criticizing others all the time, without We spend criticizing others all the time, without accomplishing anything, because we don’t obey accomplishing anything, because we don’t obey anything/anyone.anything/anyone.

The feast of The feast of Sto. NiñoSto. Niño should teach us the value of should teach us the value of obedienceobedience (to God and to rightful authorities)(to God and to rightful authorities) in order to fight in order to fight oppression, to build our nation, to establish communities oppression, to build our nation, to establish communities and to give a bright future to our and to give a bright future to our childrenchildren..

The preaching on obedience will depend on how the preacher himself has lived obedience

in his childhood / boyhood.Our devotion to Sto. Niño must lead us to love freedom, to facilitate

God’s blessings and to grow in wisdom and favor in the eyes of people and God!

To have a better understanding and approach to children, we should attend family life seminars.

In this Year of Faith, let us once more take In this Year of Faith, let us once more take a look at Jesus according to the gospel a look at Jesus according to the gospel teachings, our Creed and the Catechism teachings, our Creed and the Catechism of the Catholic Church.of the Catholic Church.

In the In the eucharisteucharist, Jesus submits himself to , Jesus submits himself to the Father. the Father.

In the In the eucharisteucharist, we show obedience to , we show obedience to Jesus’ words in the Last Supper: “Do this Jesus’ words in the Last Supper: “Do this in memory of me.”in memory of me.”

In the In the eucharisteucharist, Jesus, the Sto. Niño, , Jesus, the Sto. Niño, comes to strengthen us and help us comes to strengthen us and help us become strong and mature.become strong and mature.

Our Context of Sin and GraceOur Context of Sin and Grace DisobedientDisobedient PasawayPasaway AutonomousAutonomous Street urchinsStreet urchins Unparented childrenUnparented children Fanaticism in the Fanaticism in the

Feast of Sto. NinoFeast of Sto. Nino

God-fearing childrenGod-fearing children Good upbringingGood upbringing ObedientObedient Children’s RightsChildren’s Rights Bantay BataBantay Bata Well catechized Well catechized

devotees of Sto. Ninodevotees of Sto. Nino

Suggested SongsSuggested Songs TeachTeach PagtatalagaPagtatalaga

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WSdH5sZIMdM Little Things (slide to 3,52)Little Things (slide to 3,52)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e7fhhE7xhzE http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xbXYrvUj424

Dear brothers and sisters,

Let our faith grow mature by listening to God and obeying him.

Fr. Cielo