Sunday, January 18: Mark 10:13-16

(Feast of the Sto. Nino)

Today we celebrate the feast of Sto. Nino, this is one of the most well attended and most popular feasts of the church here in the Philippines. Many also are devotees of Sto. Nino in fact we see the image of Sto. Nino in almost all of the catholic families here, in government/private offices there are also images of Sto. Nino; majority of politicians are devotees of the Sto. Nino. Because the Sto. Nino is present everywhere it may seem that our country is morally upright. Better think again, the country is still mired in corruption; we are consistently labelled as one of the most corrupt in the entire world.

Where is the influence of the Sto. Nino then? Do we allow our devotion to the Sto. Nino change us for the better? This is our big problem, we are fond of displaying images of our faith but the irony of it is this: Our faith remains on exterior display and it ends there.

If only we and our politicians most specially will learn to imbibe and internalize the virtues of the Sto. Nino who is a little child that is always humble and honest, it doesn’t know how to cheat or lie. It doesn’t know how to compromise with corruption. Our country will move forward and attain greatness once again.

Sunday, January 18: John 1:35-42

When the two disciples asked Jesus: “Where are you staying?” Jesus told the two: “Come and you will see.” So they both went with Jesus and stayed with Him that day. The word of God is always relevant and it is so alive that it talks to us also.

Perhaps, the question that we would ask Jesus now is not anymore where are you staying but: “Jesus I want to have a personal relationship with you.” Jesus’ answer would be the same today: “Come and you will see."

Why don’t we also decide to respond to His open invitation and follow Him? Once we do, I am very sure that we would choose to also stay with Him not only for a day but for the rest of our days.

Jesus has said: “Come to me all of you who carry heavy burdens and I will refresh you.” (Matthew 11:28)