Sunday Reflections, Feast of the Santo Niño (Philippines), 18 January 2026.

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Señor Santo Niño de Cebú
First Reading Isaiah 9:1-6

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

Gospel Matthew 18:1-5, 10

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

“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."



The Sleeping Sto Niño 
(There are many versions)



THE SLEEPING GOD

by Simeon Dumdum, Jr.

This first appeared in Cebu Daily News some years ago. It is used here with permission. Simeon Dumdum, Jr, known to his friends as 'Jun', is a retired Regional Trial Court judge, a writer and a poet.

Not too long ago, a couple gifted us with a wood carving of the Child Jesus. It has the size, curls and royal garments of the Santo Niño of Cebu, as well as its crown, globe and scepter. Except that the globe lies on a seat and the figure reclines on it, sleeping – the scepter resting on a leg.

Continue at Bangor to Bobbio.

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