18 January 2026
Dear friends, today, we gather in joy to celebrate the Feast of the Santo Niño, the Holy Child Jesus. In the Philippines, this feast is a vibrant reminder of our deep devotion to the Infant King, who came to us not in power and majesty, but in the humility and innocence of a child. And how fitting it is that our Gospel reading invites us to reflect on that very childlike spirit. Let’s listen again to those words: The disciples asked Jesus, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” And Jesus, ever the master teacher, calls a child into their midst and says, “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever becomes humble like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.” And then, in verse 10, He warns us: “Take care that you do not despise one of these little ones; for, I tell you, in heaven their angels continually see the face of my Father who is in heaven.”
What a powerful message on this feast day! The Santo Niño isn’t just a cute statue we carry in processions or place on our altars. He is the embodiment of God’s choice to enter our world as a vulnerable child, dependent, trusting, full of wonder. Jesus, as the Holy Child, shows us that God’s kingdom isn’t built on adult ambitions, on who has the most power or prestige. No, it’s rooted in the simplicity, humility, and openness of a child’s heart.
Think about children for a moment. They approach life with wide-eyed curiosity, unfiltered joy, and a trust that doesn’t calculate risks. A child doesn’t worry about status or what others think; they just love freely and forgive quickly. That’s the spirit Jesus calls us to emulate. He says we cannot enter God’s kingdom unless we become like them – humble, dependent on God, free from the cynicism that hardens our adult hearts. In the Santo Niño, we see Jesus Himself modeling this: the King of the Universe as a baby, relying on Mary and Joseph, inviting us to approach Him with the same childlike faith.
But Jesus doesn’t stop there. He turns the spotlight on us: “Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.” And He adds that stern warning not to despise the little ones, whose angels stand before God. This is a call to action, my friends. In a world that often pushes children to the margins—where they’re seen as interruptions or burdens—Jesus demands that we welcome them, value them, protect them. Why? Because in welcoming a child, we welcome Christ Himself, the Santo Niño.
This feast challenges us to look at how we treat the children in our midst. Are we patient with their energy, their questions, their messes? Do we see them as future leaders of the Church, or just as kids to keep quiet during Mass? Today, on this Feast of the Santo Niño, I want to emphasize something vital: the importance of apostolate for children. Apostolate isn’t just for adults; it’s for everyone baptized into Christ’s mission. From a young age, children are called to respond to Jesus’ invitation to be His ministers. They have a unique role in spreading the Gospel through their innocence and enthusiasm.
Imagine a child learning to serve at Mass – not as a chore, but as a joyful response to God’s love. That’s why today, right here at our 10:30 AM Mass, we are launching our Children and Youth Mass! This isn’t just a “kids’ service”; it’s a space where our young ones can actively participate, grow in faith, and discover their gifts. One day, these very children and youth will step up as lectors, proclaiming God’s Word with fresh voices; as commentators, guiding us through the liturgy; as prayer leaders, lifting our intentions to heaven; as greeters, welcoming everyone with smiles that reflect Christ’s joy; and as collectors, serving humbly in the offering.
But this won’t happen by accident. It starts with us—parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, teachers, catechists, the whole parish family—welcoming them as Jesus recommends. Let’s make our church a place where children feel seen, heard, and valued. Encourage them to join the choir, to help with the readings, to volunteer. Teach them that serving Jesus isn’t something they do when they “grow up”—it’s now, in their childlike way, responding to the Santo Niño’s call.
I remember a story from my own parish growing up: a little boy who insisted on helping collect the offertory. At first, the adults smiled indulgently, but soon they saw how his simple act inspired others to give more generously. That boy grew up to become a priest! Children have that power, they remind us of the kingdom’s essence. By involving them in apostolate, we help them grow into mature disciples, equipped to minister in Jesus’ name.
So, let’s commit today: Be like children in your faith, humble, trusting, full of wonder before the Santo Niño. And welcome the children among us, nurturing their call to serve. In doing so, we all draw closer to God’s kingdom.
Let us pray: Santo Niño, Holy Child Jesus, teach us to become like You. Help us welcome and form the young ones in Your love. Bless our new Children and Youth Mass, that it may bear fruit in generations of faithful ministers. Amen.
Pit Señor! Viva Santo Niño! God bless you all.
