First reading: Is. 9:1–6
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. They rejoice before you as people rejoice at harvest, as they exult when dividing the spoils. For the yoke that burdened them, the pole on their shoulder, The rod of their taskmaster, you have smashed, as on the day of Midian. For every boot that tramped in battle, every cloak rolled in blood, will be burned as fuel for fire.
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. His dominion is vast and forever peaceful, Upon 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!
Second reading: Eph. 1:3–6,15–18
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavens, as he chose us in him, before the foundation of the world, to be holy and without blemish before him. In love he destined us for adoption to himself through Jesus Christ, in accord with the favor of his will, for the praise of the glory of his grace that he granted us in the beloved.
Therefore, I, too, hearing of your faith in the Lord Jesus and of your love for all the holy ones, do not cease giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, 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. 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: Mt. 18:1–5,10
At that time the disciples approached Jesus and said, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” He called a child over, placed it in their midst, and said, “Amen, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever receives one child such as this in my name receives me.
“See that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that their angels in heaven always look upon the face of my heavenly Father.”
In other words
Fr. Jong Biton, SVD (Divine Word Seminary, Tagaytay City)
Taking the child and putting it in their midst is Jesus’ way of bringing to the disciple’s attention how he has a special regard for these great “little ones.” The following phrases emphasize their value:
“unless you turn and be like children…”
“whoever humbles himself like this child…”
“whoever receives them, receive me”
“do not despise these little ones…”
These words propose the need for transformation from what one is to becoming like a child. What about the child I need to become? Indeed, this is not a suggestion to be childish. Instead, it encourages one to be childlike in simplicity, humility, and trust. These endearing qualities highlight their purity, innocence, complete dependence, and trusting attitude. These also suggest a contrary attitude to that of the Pharisees whom Jesus encountered at that time—haughty and proud. By highlighting the child’s humility, he exalts those who are meek and shows deference to people of authority, especially to God.
However, one can also say that Jesus’ preference for the “little ones” is not merely an expression of his fondness for their humility and trusting attitude. It reflects a charitable preference. During his time, children were generally viewed as having limited rights and were often considered properties—possessions of the family. They were less valued and less dignified. By placing the child at the center of His teachings, He brings attention to all others in the society who have suffered similar circumstances. Therefore, His love and preference for the children expresses His love and preference for the vulnerable, the less privileged, the voiceless, the rejected, the marginalized, etc., who need to be loved, cared for, protected, valued, and treated with dignity. For Him, they are not just “mere” children but the greatest in the Kingdom.
The next time we pray to the Sto. Niño or shout “Pit Senor,” may we always remember the “little ones” in our midst and respond to their needs as Jesus would have.