Daily Readings for January 21, 2018

Feast of Sto. Niño

1ST READING

The Feast of Santo Niño reminds us that Jesus Christ came into the world as a helpless child. He was as vulnerable as any other human being and stands in solidarity with us. Why is this important? Because this solidarity speaks about God’s commitment to us.

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!

P S A L M

Psalm 98:1, 2-3, 3-4, 5-6

R: All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation by our God.

1 Sing a new song to the Lord who has done marvelous deeds; whose right hand and holy arm have won the victory for him, his holy arm. (R) 2 The Lord has made his victory known; triumph for the nations to see. 3 He has remembered faithful love toward the house of Israel. (R) All the ends of the earth have seen the victory of our God. 4 Shout with joy to the Lord, all the earth; break into song; sing praise. (R) 5 Sing praise to the Lord with the harp, with the harp and melodious song. 6 With trumpets and the sound of the horn shout with joy to the King, the Lord. (R)

2ND READING

Paul encourages us to be open to the work of the Spirit within us. He personally experienced the power of the Holy Spirit in his life and he wants us to experience the same transforming power and faith. Our devotion to the Santo Niño increases our faith and commitment as Christians to do good works. For faith without work is dead.

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.

GOSPEL

Jesus calls both the young and old to be His disciples. In today’s Gospel, He invites the children to come to Him as He did with many saints whom He called at a tender age. During the time of the Early Church, entire households were baptized, adults and children alike. Let us remember that we have the responsibility to evangelize even children.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.

Mark 10:13-16

13 People were bringing children to Jesus that he might touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. 14 When Jesus saw this he became indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not prevent them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 15 Amen, I say to you, whoever does not accept the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it.” 16 Then Jesus embraced them and blessed them, placing his hands on them.