TODAY’S THOUGHTS TO LIVE BY: Some Notes on the Feast of the Sto. Niño

Jan. 19, Sun, Feast of the Sto. Niño, Holy Childhood Day, Week of Prayer for Christian Unity: Liturgy of the Word — Is. 9:1-6; Ps. 97:1, 2-3, 3, 4-6; Eph. 1:3-6, 15-18; Lk. 2:41-52. 

Some Notes on the Feast of the Sto. Niño

1. The Señor Sto. Niño de Cebu is the oldest Christian artifact in the Philippines along with the Magellan’s Cross. It was originally a baptismal gift from Ferdinand Magellan in 1521 to Rajah Humabon’s chief consort, Harah Humamay, baptized as Juana, by Fr. Pedro de Valderrama. 

2. The Sto. Niño icon is a dark wood statue, 12 inches (30 cm) tall. The Child Jesus is dressed as a Spanish king, bearing a golden crown, a “globus cruciger,” a scepter, and jewelry mostly offered by devotees over several centuries. Beside the Sto. Niño, two other gifts were given by Magellan: a bust of Christ as the “Ecce Homo” and an image of the Blessed Virgin Mary. 

3. After Magellan was killed on April 27, 1521, in the battle of Mactan, his soldiers left for Spain. In 1565, Miguel Lopez de Legaspi and his expeditionary forces arrived in Cebu. Meeting resistance, he opened fire and burned the town. A Spanish mariner, Juan Camus, found the Sto. Niño among the ruins. Having miraculously survived the fire, it has been believed since then to have miraculous powers. The discovery of the sacred image is now commemorated in the “Kaplag” festival (finding or rediscovery). Today, the original image is permanently encased in a bullet proof glass inside the Basilica del Santo Niño.

4. In 1965, Pope St. Paul VI decreed the canonical crowning of the Sto. Niño as part of the culmination of the 400th year of Philippine Christianization. At the same time, the Church of Sto. Niño was elevated to the rank of Minor Basilica, the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño. Pope Francis called the Sto. Niño “protector” of the Philippines, in his homily at the Rizal Park on January 18, 2015. 

5. The Sto. Niño has become the most beloved and recognizable Filipino cultural icon. Pictured like a child who is King and God, the Sto.Niño has been for centuries the focus of Filipino devotion to the Child Jesus. His features are regal, yet simple, humble and innocent — welcoming. He holds the orb, the whole world, the whole of creation in his hand, drawing everyone and everything under his loving rule. 

As a Child, he evokes simplicity and humility, innocence and joy. The image reminds as of Jesus’ words for us to be like a little child, so as to enter the kingdom of heaven. Filipino devotional practices of songs and dance have inculturated the devotion to Sto. Niño. Thus, the Sinulog festival witnessed by thousands upon thousands and met with cries of “Pit Senyor!” 

6. 1st Reading, Is. 9:1-6 — Hope for Israel. “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; upon those who lived in a land of gloom a light has shone. You have brought them abundant joy and great rejoicing. You have smashed the yoke that burdened them and the rod of their taskmaster (vv. 1-4). The northern tribes of Israel, the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, Galilee of the Gentiles, had suffered more than the other tribes from the Assyrian invasion. They are “the people who walked in darkness,” and suffered the “yoke” of oppression and slavery. But God has smashed “the rod of their taskmaster,” Assyria. 

7. Fast forward to the time of Jesus. The people of Galilee of the Gentiles have “walked in darkness.” But in God’s mercy, they were the first to see the light of the Messiah. Mt. 4:13 sees the words of Isaiah fulfilled in the Galilean ministry of Jesus. His ministry would bring joy and gladness to Israel. Isaiah then speaks of the Messiah who will reign. “For a child is born to us, a son is given to us; upon his shoulder dominion rests. They name him Wonder-Counselor, God-Hero, Father-Forever, Prince of Peace” (v.5). 

The Child Jesus is given to us. He is a compassionate God. He counsels and protects us. He is the Prince of Peace, who reconciles us with the Father. He is our Peace (v. 6). Is. 9:6 has been fulfilled: Jesus has ascended David’s throne. His reign is just and eternal (Mt. 4:13). 

8. Resp. Ps. 97:1, 2-3, 3, 4-6 — Psalm 97 echoes the thoughts of our 1st Reading. “The Lord is king; let the earth rejoice” (v. 1). He is a God of “justice and right” (v. 2). He enlightens the world. “The heavens proclaim his justice; all peoples see his glory” (vv. 5-6). 

9. 2nd Reading, Eph. 1:3-6, 15-18 — God has blessed us in Christ “with every spiritual blessing.” He chose us to be “holy and without blemish” (vv. 3-4). 

In love, he chose us for adoption, as he willed. We praise him for the grace “that he granted us in the beloved,” Jesus his Son (vv. 3-6). 

10. Paul prays for his beloved Ephesian community. He does not cease thanking God for their faith and love nor does he stop praying for them that they might have “a spirit of wisdom and revelation” (v. 17); that their hearts might be enlightened “to know” the hope of their call and their riches of glory (v. 18).

11. Gospel, Lk. 2:41-52 — The Finding in the Temple, the final episode in Jesus’ hidden life. When Jesus was 12 yrs. old, Mary and Joseph brought him on a Passover pilgrimage to Jerusalem. The festival commemorates the Exodus, the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. This journey evokes our own liberation from sin through the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Christ in Jerusalem. 

When Mary and Joseph were returning home, they found that the boy Jesus was not with them (vv. 41-44). They searched for him among their friends for a day. Not finding him, they returned to Jerusalem (vv. 41-45). After three days, they found him in the temple conversing with the religious teachers, listening to them and asking them questions (v. 46). “And all who heard were astounded at his understanding and answers” (v. 47; suggestive of Jesus as filled with “the spirit of wisdom and revelation” Eph. 1:17). 

His parents, too, were “astonished” and Mary asked him, “Son, why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been looking for you with great anxiety” (v. 48). “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” (v. 49). A moment of revelation. At twelve years old the boy Jesus reveals to them that he knew all along that God was his Father. Yet he returns to Nazareth and subjects himself to Mary and Joseph in obedience and love. 

12. Prayer — Almighty God, your only Son, begotten from all ages, humbled himself as a child in Nazareth and became subject to Mary and Joseph. Grant that we may learn from his example to embrace your will in all things and, holding fast to the dignity of all, serve our lowly brothers and sisters with open hands and gentle heart. This we pray, through Christ our Lord. Amen. (Collect of today’s Mass). Pit Senyor! Prayers, best wishes, God bless!