This Sunday is the feast of the Sto. Niño in the Philippines. It is immensely popular among Filipinos. Rich and poor, young and old alike maintain a strong, if not fanatical, devotion to the Holy Child.

On the feast, big and mini statues are dressed endearingly in various forms and attires. There’s a Sto. Niño clad as a fireman, doctor, or policeman. There is also a Sto. Niño clothed in green, representing the green US dollar bills Filipinos are praying devoutly of receiving them.

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In the gospel, Jesus teaches: "Amen I say to you, whoever does not accept the Kingdom of God like a child will not enter it” (Mark 13,15).

"Like little children," what does that mean? What is it about a child that Jesus liked and valued so much?

The emphasis is on being childlike, not childish; hence, Christ-like.

One endearing quality about the child is its innocence and simplicity. No guile. When I was in grade school, I used to play with all kinds of kids in the neighborhood. My parents would warn me not to mingle with “dirty” kids from the depressed areas. But I didn’t see any difference if they came from a poor or rich family.

The other quality a child possesses is his spirit of dependence and trust.

This is shown, for instance, when a child crossing the street puts its hand in the hand of the father and mother.

On other hand, the absence of dependence is shown concretely when a man has no more time for God. Work and pursuit of money take his place with the power of his talent, wealth and intelligence.

If after the grand festivities, devotees go home and continue to be unkind, unjust, and unforgiving to their fellowmen or are engaged in corrupt practices or some politicians run away with the money of the government. The Philippines is known as the only Christian country in Asia yet there are numerous killings and violence. We have been overtaken, too, in the economic progress by our neighboring countries.

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The teachings of Vatican II in the chapter "The Church Today" state: "Religion does not consists in act of worship alone but should be lived in a just, moral, and charitable conduct.”

“This split between the faith which many profess and their daily lives deserves to be counted among the more serious errors of our age."

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Let’s continue to live a childlike piety—the virtues of innocence, humility, honesty, justice, and put them into practice.

"Unless you become like little children you cannot enter the Kingdom of heaven."

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