Because I’ve been designated, elected, or promoted to key positions, I’ve had  many opportunities of mingling with people in high posts and famous personalities. But I find it equally pleasant to be with subordinates no matter what level they are. Those moments allow me to get to know them better.

Once, I went out with my property management team for a facial treatment. We enjoyed our time together,  listening to everyone’s stories, especially those who had a facial for the first time. Afterwards, we ate out. One of the waiters asked, “Are you OK to share a table with the driver and staff?” I joyfully answered, “Of course!”

We are all equal in the eyes of God, each created in His image and likeness. We may be leaders and executives, but such are roles we play to lead an organization. They shouldn’t be an excuse to distance ourselves from people of lower designation. Real leaders stay connected. Just like Jesus did.  

Maria Paz Jimenez-Balayan (pazjbalayan@moward.com.ph)

reflect

“He has shown the strength of his arm, he has scattered the proud in their conceit. He has cast down the mighty from their thrones,and has lifted up the lowly.” (The Magnificat)

Lord, before You, none of us are great, powerful, or mighty. We bow before Your majesty.

Saint Anthony, abbot, pray for us.

First Reading | Isaiah 9:1-6

The devotion to Santo Niño is widely practiced in the Philippines. This is a good devotion, but like all devotions, we must ensure that we do not lose focus on Jesus. As we venerate the image of the Child Jesus, the challenge is for our faith to continue to mature. The heart of our faith demands that we make a difference in our life choices.

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!   

Responsorial Psalm | 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 to the Lord a new song, for he has done wondrous deeds; his right hand has won victory for him, his holy arm. (R) 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 his faithfulness toward the house of Israel. (R) 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. (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 sing joyfully before the King, the Lord. (R)

Second Reading | Ephesians 1:3-6, 15-18

We are called to be disciples of Jesus every moment of each day. Is this too difficult or too harsh? Does this mean that we should all become saints? No, it is not too harsh a calling, and yes, we should all be striving for sainthood. If we want to make a difference in our lives, then the only way is to make a lasting difference by obeying God’s will.

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 | Matthew 18:1-5, 10

Humility is one of the most important lessons that Jesus imparted to His disciples. We, too, are called to be humble, like a child, who relies on the strength and generosity of elders to survive.  If only all men and women could humble themselves, we would see a transformation among our relationships with other people. Let us pray to recognize this truth and have a mutual and lasting respect for one another.

Gospel Acclamation

And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.

¹ At that time the disciples approached Jesus and said, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” ² He called a child over, placed it in their midst, ³ and said, “Amen, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. ⁴ Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. ⁵ And whoever receives one child such as this in my name receives me. ¹⁰ “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.”

Read the Bible in one year! Read LUKE 5 - 8 today.

Welcoming Children

In the Church’s liturgy, the Christmas season officially ends with the Baptism of the Lord, which also marks the beginning of Ordinary Time. However, here in the Philippines, we celebrate a unique feast that still echoes the spirit of Christmas: the Feast of the Sto. Niño. In our culture, children are not only celebrated during Christmas but also on this special day. In many places, processions are held, and infants or children are dressed up like the Child Jesus, paraded through joyful, colorful streets.

What’s often overlooked is how this day also reminds us of the arrival of Christianity in the Philippines in 1521. The image of the Sto. Niño de Cebu symbolizes this moment, when Rajah Humabon and his wife received it upon their baptism as the first Filipino Christians.

The acceptance of the image of the Child Jesus by our ancestors mirrors today’s Gospel: Jesus calling His disciples to receive children as they would receive Him. But Jesus didn’t stop at acceptance. He also called us to be like children—humble and open-hearted.

The Greek word used in this Gospel is “yeled,” which means both “young boy” and “servant.” It reminds us that to be children of God is to also serve Him. Jesus lived this truth, from being a child in Joseph and Mary’s home, to obeying the Father’s will throughout His life.

Today, Jesus invites us to rediscover childlike virtues—humility, docility, and sincerity. Unlike children who easily forgive, say sorry, and try again, adults often become stubborn and closed off. But Jesus reminds us that greatness lies in humility.

So today, may we not only bring joy to children but also to our heavenly Father—by becoming obedient children and faithful servants like Jesus. He is our model of maturity in faith, exemplified in humility and obedience. 

Fr. Franz Dizon

reflection questions

Do you carry the humility and openness of a child in your daily life? What areas in your life do you resist change or correction? 

Through baptism, we became Your children, O Father. But pride has led us astray. May we become like Your only Son—obedient and humble in heart. Amen.

Today, I pray for: _____________________________________________