Sto Niño Feast Bible Study Light of Peace

WelWelccoommee toto OOuur Bir Bibble Sle Sttududyy
FFeasteast oof thf thee Sto.Sto. NNiñoiño
(Philippines)(Philippines)
17 January 201617 January 2016
In preparation for this Sunday’s liturgyIn preparation for this Sunday’s liturgy
AsAs aaid in foid in foccusing our husing our hoomilimiliees and sharings and sharing
Prepared by Fr. Cielo R. Almazan, OFM

11stst
Reading: Isaiah 9,1-6Reading: 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
People 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 ofTextual Context of Isaiah 9,1-6Isaiah 9,1-6
 First IsaiahFirst Isaiah - 1-39- 1-39
 Second IsaiahSecond Isaiah - 40-55- 40-55
 Third IsaiahThird 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, perhaps24-27 A "Little Apocalypse" added at a much later date, perhaps
in the sixth centuryin the sixth century
28-33 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 addition
36-39 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)

11stst
People 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 aboutVv.1-2 in parallel style talk about
people experiencing light,people experiencing light,
abundant joy, after a period ofabundant joy, after a period of
darkness.darkness.
 Simile is also employedSimile is also employed (as at the(as at the
harvest, as men make merry…)harvest, as men make merry…) v.2v.2
 Vv.3-4 give initial reasons forVv.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 toV.5 gives a better reason to
rejoice: birth of arejoice: birth of a childchild //// sonson isis
given; with terrific titlesgiven; with terrific titles (for adult
leader, with divine character)
 V.6 talks of the extent of hisV.6 talks of the extent of his
territoryterritory (dominion, sphere)(dominion, sphere) and alsoand also
of his exercise of powerof his exercise of power (peace,(peace,
judgment and justice).judgment and justice).

Reflections on the 1Reflections on the 1stst
ReadingReading
 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 theThe description of the childchild // sonson sends a strong message tosends a strong message to
the oppressors of Israelthe oppressors of Israel (God’s people, people trusting in God for their(God’s people, people trusting in God for their
liberation).liberation).
 TheThe childchild is not something / someone to be babied, not ais not something / someone to be babied, not a
weakling, but a strong leader.weakling, but a strong leader.
 TheThe childchild should be dealt with according to his destinyshould 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).
 TheThe childchild liberates the people of Israel from oppressive rule.liberates the people of Israel from oppressive rule.
 Oppressors should not belittleOppressors 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.
 The psalm is an invitation toThe psalm is an invitation to
celebrate.celebrate.
 We celebrate for the followingWe 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, accompaniedOur celebrations must be joyful, accompanied
by singing and musical instruments.by singing and musical instruments.
 When we celebrate, we acknowledge God’sWhen we celebrate, we acknowledge God’s
wonderful deeds to us, his justice, peace andwonderful 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 1,3-6.15-18Reading: 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
God’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
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
God’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
 The liturgists chose vv.3-6 and 15-18The liturgists chose vv.3-6 and 15-18
as the 2as the 2ndnd
reading.reading.
 Vv.3-6 talk about the Father who actsVv.3-6 talk about the Father who acts
favorably on the Christian believers infavorably on the Christian believers in
and through Christ.and through Christ.
 The actions of the Father are theThe actions of the Father are the
following:following:
 HeHe blessedblessed us,us,
 HeHe chosechose us to be holy and blameless,us to be holy and blameless,
 HeHe destineddestined us for adoption.us for adoption.
 Vv.15-18 talk about Paul’s feelingsVv.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 giveNot ceasing to give thanksthanks
 RememberingRemembering you in my prayersyou in my prayers
 WishingWishing that God may give you spirit ofthat God may give you spirit of
wisdom, revelation, eyes of heartswisdom, revelation, eyes of hearts
enlightened, may have knowledge…enlightened, may have knowledge…

Reflections on the 2Reflections on the 2ndnd
readingreading
 Once again, we should be reminded that we areOnce again, we should be reminded that we are
celebrating the feast ofcelebrating 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 operatesWe have seen in the reading that God the Father operates
in us throughin us through ChristChrist..
 ThisThis Sto. NiñoSto. Niño was already busy even when he was stillwas already busy even when he was still
very young, a little boy.very young, a little boy.
 Devotees ofDevotees of Sto. NiñoSto. Niño must be thankful to the Father.must be thankful to the Father.
 They should not do their devotions toThey should not do their devotions to himhim as if the Fatheras if the Father
does not exist.does not exist.
 We can appreciateWe can appreciate Sto. Niño betterSto. Niño better, and have a more, and have a more
meaningful devotion tomeaningful devotion to himhim, if we see, if we see himhim associated withassociated 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.

Setting: 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!

Setting: 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.
The 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 ourSince it is the feast of Sto. Niño, we must focus our
attention on anything that pertains to the boyattention on anything that pertains to the boy
Jesus.Jesus.
 JesusJesus was 12 years oldwas 12 years old (v.41)(v.41)
 JesusJesus went up to Jerusalemwent up to Jerusalem (v.41)(v.41)
 JesusJesus remained in Jerusalem after theremained in Jerusalem after the
PassoverPassover (v.43); was lost in effect.(v.43); was lost in effect.
 JesusJesus was found after 3 dayswas 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 questionslistening, 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 Fatherobedient to the Father (v.49)(v.49)
 JesusJesus went with his parents, obedient towent with his parents, obedient to
themthem (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 parentsThe boy Jesus respected the traditions of his parents (to go to
Jerusalem annually to celebrate the feast of the Passover). It is presumedIt is presumed
that he also accompanied his father to attend otherthat 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 boyIn the Temple, the boy JesusJesus finds home and school: Hefinds home and school: He
must be in his Father’s house; he discusses with themust be in his Father’s house; he discusses with the
learned.learned.
 The gospel reading portrays Jesus as obedient to theThe gospel reading portrays Jesus as obedient to the
Father in heaven and to his parents.Father in heaven and to his parents.
 TheThe feast of Sto. Niñofeast of Sto. Niño should lead us to teach our kidsshould lead us to teach our kids
obedience. In no way should they be allowed to break rulesobedience. In no way should they be allowed to break rules
and show disrespect to parents and established rules andand show disrespect to parents and established rules and
regulations.regulations.

Tying the 3 readings and the PsalmTying the 3 readings and the Psalm
 TheThe first readingfirst reading focuses on thefocuses on the sonson who giveswho gives hopehope toto
the nation.the nation.
 TheThe psalmpsalm invites us to celebrate wondrous deeds ofinvites us to celebrate wondrous deeds of
God.God.
 TheThe second readingsecond reading focuses on the role offocuses on the role of Jesus, son ofJesus, son of
God,God, in our salvation. The Father gives favors to usin our salvation. The Father gives favors to us
through and in him. He is thethrough and in him. He is the channel of God’schannel of God’s
blessingsblessings..
 TheThe gospel readinggospel reading focuses onfocuses on JesusJesus’’ obedienceobedience to theto the
Father / and parents. By obedience, he grewFather / and parents. By obedience, he grew in wisdomin 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 withBegin 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 isIn school, children are trained to obey. Their attention is
called if they don’t obey.called if they don’t obey.
 The feast ofThe feast of Sto. NiñoSto. Niño should remind us of a seeminglyshould 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 theIt is the duty of parents to train their children to do the
right thingright 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 areand 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!)

 TheThe child Jesuschild Jesus became great because he learnedbecame great because he learned
obedienceobedience from his parents. His parents made theirfrom his parents. His parents made their
feelings / opinions felt when something went wrongfeelings / 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 noHe 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 trainingWe 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 multiplyAlas there are lots of irresponsible parents who multiply
childrenchildren without feeling obliged to trainwithout feeling obliged to train themthem to obey, toto obey, to
attain a good futureattain 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 atalks about the birth of a childchild who will bewho will be
doing a big job. He will be adoing 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 Christiansthe Father. We Christians
interpret thisinterpret this childchild as referring to Christ.as referring to Christ.
 The second readingThe second reading talks about Christ, responsible for ourtalks about Christ, responsible for our
blessings and graces (salvation). Through hisblessings and graces (salvation). Through his obedienceobedience
to the Father, we are saved. He has good relations withto the Father, we are saved. He has good relations with
 The gospel readingThe gospel reading portrays the boy Jesus’portrays the boy Jesus’ obedienceobedience toto
the Father and his parents at an early age. This continuesthe Father and his parents at an early age. This continues
up to his death on the cross. Jesus lives inup 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 learnWhat happens if we don’t learn obedienceobedience??
 Chaos, anarchyChaos, anarchy
 Everybody does his/her own thing.Everybody does his/her own thing.
 No community, no family, no orderly parish, no goodNo community, no family, no orderly parish, no good
organization, no good leaders, no blessings, noorganization, no good leaders, no blessings, no
favors.favors.
 We spend criticizing others all the time, withoutWe spend criticizing others all the time, without
accomplishing anything, because we don’t obeyaccomplishing anything, because we don’t obey
anything/anyone.anything/anyone.

 The feast ofThe feast of Sto. NiñoSto. Niño should teach us the value ofshould teach us the value of
obedienceobedience (to God and to rightful authorities)(to God and to rightful authorities) in order to fightin order to fight
oppression, to build our nation, to establish communitiesoppression, to build our nation, to establish communities
and to give a bright future to ourand 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 takeIn this Year of Faith, let us once more take
a look at Jesus according to the gospela look at Jesus according to the gospel
teachings, our Creed and the Catechismteachings, our Creed and the Catechism
of the Catholic Church.of the Catholic Church.

 In theIn the eucharisteucharist, Jesus submits himself to, Jesus submits himself to
 In theIn the eucharisteucharist, we show obedience to, we show obedience to
Jesus’ words in the Last Supper: “Do thisJesus’ words in the Last Supper: “Do this
in memory of me.”in memory of me.”
 In theIn the eucharisteucharist, Jesus, the Sto. Niño,, Jesus, the Sto. Niño,
comes to strengthen us and help uscomes 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 theFanaticism 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 catechizedWell catechized
devotees of Sto. Ninodevotees of Sto. Nino

Suggested SongsSuggested Songs
 TeachTeach
 PagtatalagaPagtatalaga
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WSdH5sZIMdMhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WSdH5sZIMdM
 Little Things (slide to 3,52)Little Things (slide to 3,52)
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e7fhhE7xhzEhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e7fhhE7xhzE
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xbXYrvUj424http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xbXYrvUj424

Dear brothers and sisters,
Let our faith grow mature by listening to God
and obeying him.
Fr. Cielo

Sto Niño Feast Bible Study Light of Peace

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