Dear Our Lady of Mercy Parish Family,

I hope this finds you well!

As we journey together through the Second Sunday in Ordinary Time, the Church gently invites us to reflect on how God works not only in extraordinary moments, but most especially in the ordinary rhythms of daily life. After the joy and beauty of the Christmas season, we now step into Ordinary Time, not a time that is “plain” or unimportant, but a sacred season where faith is lived day by day, moment by moment, in our homes, families, workplaces, schools, and parish life.

THE MESSAGE OF OUR READINGS

The readings this weekend speak powerfully to our identity and mission as God’s people.

In the First Reading from the prophet Isaiah, we hear the Lord say, “You are my servant… I will make you a light to the nations, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.” These words remind us that being chosen by God is never meant to be self-centered. God chooses us so that other may be blessed through us. Each of us, young or old, long-time parishioner or newly registered has been entrusted with a mission: to reflect God’s light in a world that often feels dark, uncertain and divided.

In the Second Reading, Saint Paul greets the Corinthians with words that may sound simple, yet they are deeply profound: “Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” Grace and peace are gifts, not achievements. They are given to us because we belong to Christ. In a world filled with anxiety, pressure, and constant noise, these words remind us that our true peace comes not from success or possessions, but from knowing that we are loved and claimed by God.

In the Gospel, Saint John brings us to a defining moment in salvation history. John the Baptist sees Jesus approaching and declares, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.” John does not point to himself, he does not seek attention or recognition. Instead with humility and clarity, he directs everyone to Jesus. This is the heart of Christian discipleship: to help others see Christ through our words, actions, and way of life.

How beautifully these readings connect with what we celebrate in our parish this weekend–– the Feast of Señor Santo Niño.

THE SANTO NIÑO DEVOTION

The devotion to Señor Santo Niño, the Holy Child Jesus, is one of the oldest and most beloved devotions in the Philippines. Its roots go back to 1521, when an image of the Child Jesus was given as baptismal gift to Queen Juana of Cebu. Years later, in 1565, explorers found the image intact amid destruction, an enduring sign of God’s faithfulness and His desire to remain close to His people. From that moment on, devotion to the Santo Niño spread throughout the islands and became deeply woven into Filipino faith, culture, and family life.

Today, wherever there is a Filipino community, here in the United States and throughout the world, the Santo Niño is lovingly honored. This devotion has crossed borders and cultures, and it continues to touch hearts far beyond its place of origin.

The Santo Niño teaches us something essential about who our God is. God chose not to come to us as a powerful ruler, but as a child, humble, vulnerable, and approachable. In the Child Jesus, we see a God who is close, gentle, joyful, and deeply compassionate. The Santo Niño reminds us that faith is not meant to be heavy or distant, but rooted in trust, joy, and a personal relationship with Christ.

In many Filipino homes, the Santo Niño is placed in a special space, not merely as a decoration, but as a constant reminder that Jesus belongs at the center of family life. He is present in everyday joys and struggles: in moments of celebration and sorrow, success and hardship, hope and uncertainty. This is faith lived in ordinary time.

FAITH, LOVE, AND GENEROSITY

This spirit of childlike faith and generous love was beautifully witnessed this past Christmas through your kindness and compassion. The children of Libas, Roxas City, in the Philippines send their heartfelt gratitude to all of you, our parishioners and friends of Our Lady of Mercy, for remembering them on Christmas Day.

Through your generosity, we were able to provide a simple toy-giving and food distribution for these children. In total, we raised $2,400 that became smiles, laughter, nourishment, and hope.

Your love crossed oceans and reminded these children that they are seen, remembered, and deeply loved. Maraming salamat po. May the Santo Niño bless you abundantly for your generosity and goodness of heart.

Here you can see two happy little girls who benefited from your generosity this Christmas.

The Santo Niño also quietly echoes the words of John the Baptist: “He must increase. I must decrease.” The Child Jesus draws us away from pride and self-importance and leads us back to humility, simplicity, and dependence on God. He invites us to trust, not with fear, but with the confidence of a child who knows they are loved.

For those who may be unfamiliar with this devotion, my hope is that this celebration opens your heart to its beauty and depth. You do not need to be Filipino to appreciate the message of the Santo Niño. The Child Jesus belongs to all of us. He reminds every culture, every family, and every individual that God meets us where we are and walks with us through life’s ordinary days.

As a parish family, may this feast deepen our faith, renew our joy, and strengthen our commitment to live as light to others. May the Santo Niño inspire us to serve with humility, to love with generosity, and to trust God with childlike faith, especially when life feels uncertain or difficult.

May Señor Santo Niño bless our parish, our families, our children, and our homes. And may Our Lady of Mercy, who once held the Child Jesus in her arms, continue to guide us always to her Son.

God bless you all!

Love,

Father Marty