Jesus must have exuded a kind and gentle countenance that even little children are drawn towards him. Rabbis in Israel would be surrounded by male disciples, but Jesus allows himself to be surrounded not just by the Twelve (Apostles) but also by women and children. When his disciples try to prevent mothers in bringing the children to Jesus for blessing, Jesus rebukes them, saying, “Let the children come to me, and do not prevent them; for the Kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these” (Mt 19:14). In today’s Gospel, Jesus tells his disciples to turn and become like children if they wish to enter the Kingdom of heaven.

The child is the perfect symbol of the new kind of life that Jesus proposes to people. The child would usually be dependent on the elders, is humble, and obedient. The child thinks and talks plainly. He has no ulterior motives and does not resort to gimmickry or machinations. Jesus puts a child in the midst of the disciples to teach them the valuable lesson of being humble. The disciples argue among themselves who is the greatest. They are concerned with power so they can lord it over their companions and other people. Jesus tells them instead that true greatness depends on being innocent and humble, rather than being arrogant and proud.

In his life and ministry on earth, Jesus demonstrates how to be a child of his heavenly Father even when he has already become an adult. His many activities are punctuated with prayer so he can commune with the Father. He receives material help from other people and even warm welcome to their homes. He willingly accepts the kindness and generosity of his friends: Mary, Martha, and Lazarus.

There is a very strong temptation to live our life according to our own terms, not allowing God to have a significant part in our plans. We could sometimes even take pride in the fact that we are self-made men or women, and that we are able to reach far in life based on our own striving. It could be tempting to ignore and easily forget the mysterious action of God in our life story. A life that is turned inwards towards one’s own self could make a person arrogant, cold, and calculating.

The feast of the Santo Niño is a happy occasion meant to celebrate the prodigality of God in our life. The feast is an invitation to us to recover our lost sense of humility, simplicity, and obedience to God. The feast reminds us of the good qualities of the Santo Niño found in every child, but it also challenges us to grow up with the Holy Child in age, wisdom, and grace. The Holy Child grows up to be an adult and has spoken against sin and evil and proclaims the heavenly Kingdom without losing joy and his simple trust in his heavenly Father.

Our devotion to the Santo Niño has a rich history, but it continues to present challenges to all believers to make such devotion bear greater fruits, especially in terms of our commitment towards the weak and little ones in society, especially the defenseless children and the marginalized.

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; Upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom a light has shone. 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. 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. For every boot that tramped in battle, every cloak rolled in blood, will be burned as fuel for flames. 5For 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. 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!

“All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.”