Gospel: January 18, 2026
January 18, 2026 (Sunday)
Feast of the Child Jesus (Sto. Niño)
Psalter: Proper (White)
Ps 97:1, 2-3, 3-4, 5-6
All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.
1st Reading: Isaiah 9:1-6
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. A light has dawned on those who live in the land of the shadow of death.
You have enlarged the nation; you have increased their joy. They rejoice before you, as people rejoice at harvest time as they rejoice in dividing the spoil.
For the yoke of their burden, the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressors, you have broken it as on the day of Midian. Every warrior’s boot that tramped in war, every cloak rolled in blood, will be thrown out for burning, will serve as fuel for the fire. For a child is born to us, a son is given us; the royal ornament is laid upon his shoulder, and his name is proclaimed: “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
To the increase of his powerful rule in peace, there will be no end. Vast will be his dominion, he will reign on David’s throne and over all his kingdom, to establish and uphold it with justice and righteousness from this time onward and forever.
The zealous love of the Lord Sabaoth will do this.
2nd Reading: Ephesians 1:3-6, 15-18
Blessed be God, the Father of Christ Jesus our Lord, who, in Christ, has blessed us from heaven, with every spiritual blessing. God chose us, in Christ, before the creation of the world, to be holy, and without sin in his presence.
From eternity he destined us, in love, to be his adopted sons and daughters, through Christ Jesus, thus fulfilling his free and generous will. This goal suited him: that his loving-kindness, which he granted us in his beloved might finally receive all glory and praise.
I have been told of your faith and your affection toward all the believers, so I always give thanks to God, remembering you in my prayers.
Gospel: Matthew 18:1-5, 10, 12-14
At that time, the disciples came to Jesus and asked him, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”
Then Jesus called a little child, set the child in the midst of the disciples and said, “I assure you that unless you change and become like little children, you cannot enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever becomes humble like this child, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven, and whoever receives such a child in my name, receives me.
See that you do not despise any of these little ones; for I tell you, their angels in heaven continually see the face of my heavenly Father.
What do you think of this? If someone has a hundred sheep and one of them strays, won’t he leave the ninety-nine on the hillside and go to look for the stray one? And I tell you, when he finally finds it, he is more pleased about it than about the ninety-nine that did not go astray. It is the same with your Father in heaven. Your Father in heaven doesn’t want even one of these little ones to perish.
Lectio Divina
Learn from Jesus and listen to Him.
Read: The prophet Isaiah foretells that those who endure oppression and hardships have witnessed a great light, as a child is born to them who will establish justice and righteousness. In the second reading, St. Paul praises God for the faith and growth of the church in Ephesus. In the gospel, Jesus presents a little child as a model for greatness in the Kingdom of God: “Whoever becomes humble like this child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.”
Reflect: Filipinos have a deep devotion to the image of the Child Jesus, the Sto. Niño. However, we also recognize that the Child Jesus did not remain a child; He grew up and embraced His Father’s mission to establish the Reign of God through His ministry and preaching. As Christians, we need to learn from Jesus and listen to Him as He calls us to contribute to the establishment of God’s Reign. What can I do to enhance and strengthen the Reign of God? This Reign is not built with bricks but with the values and virtues that promote justice, peace, truth, and the integrity of God’s creation. We follow in the footsteps of the Lord who, starting as a child, matured in His commitment to the Father’s will.
Pray: Lord, grant me the humility of a child, that I may trust You in all things.
Act: Share your resources with orphans or street children.
May the God of Christ Jesus our Lord, the Father of glory, reveal himself to you, and give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation, that you may know him.
May he enlighten your inner vision, that you may appreciate the things we hope for, since we were called by God. May you know how great is the inheritance, the glory, God sets apart for his saints.
