Gospel: Feast of Sto. Niño

Today is the Feast of the Sto. Niño in the Philippines, and the Gospel reading for the Eucharistic celebration will be lifted from the narrative of St Mark (Gospel passage from Biblegateway: Mark 10:13-16).

The Feast of Sto. Niño is one of the many impressive festivals in the Philippines. From Cebu as its religious and cultural hub, the feast is radiated to other major parts of the country with colorful veneration by way of music, costumes, and dances. The Catholic Church in the Philippines was even gifted with a papal indult to celebrate the third Sunday of January as the proper feast of Sto. Niño.

The gesture of recognizing it as a liturgical observance is testimony to the Filipinos' devotion to the Sto. Niño. In this devotion, the country's natural affection for the family is affirmed, especially for children. This love for young ones hints on the Filipinos' innate value for life itself since children in the family are a sign of fruitfulness, continuity of the race, and respect for life's sacredness.

This natural (and very Filipino) look to the devotion is also given emphasis and definitive meaning by fellow Christians. The gift of children in the family awakens Christian values as seen evidently in Filipino culture. In the image of the Sto. Niño, Jesus is seen as one of the children but, also, as the Child Jesus dressed in full regalia, the unique icon reminding the faithful of his reign as the "Wonder-Counselor," "God-Hero," "Father-Forever," and "Prince of Peace." The irony of a child wearing a mature king's clothing is a depiction of a childlike God. He is very intimate, endearing, and familiar in the potrayal of this image yet he is also an immense God of salvation.

Let us therefore remember that this gift of celebration is also a part of the mystery of our faith. The Sto. Niño devotion is a continuous meditation on the mystery of the Incarnation. It should first animate our spiritual life and not only our jovial sentiments. We cannot just be consumed by dancing his icon, but it should draw out in us a mysterious wonder: the devotion should call us to this action, taking us into a worthy response of the mystery unfolding within us.

Sto. Niño de Cabanatuan, graciously hear our prayers. Sto. Niño de Cebu, have mercy on us.

Amen.

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