The 17th of January, 2021, Sunday is this year’s celebration day for the Feast of Santo Niño. The Bible scriptures for the holy mass readings for this day came from the 2021 Liturgical Calendar.
Reading 1: IS 9:2-7
The first reading from the Book of Isaiah.
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. The light has shined on those who lived in the land of the shadow of death.
You have multiplied the nation. You have increased their joy. They rejoice before you according to the joy in harvest, as men rejoice when they divide the plunder.
For the yoke of his burden, and the staff of his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, you have broken as in the day of Midian.
For all the armor of the armed man in the noisy battle, and the garments rolled in blood, will be for burning, fuel for the fire.
For a child is born to us. A son is given to us; and the government will be on his shoulders. His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of his government and of peace there shall be no end, on David’s throne, and on his kingdom, to establish it, and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from that time on, even forever. The zeal of Yahweh of Armies will perform this.
Responsorial Psalm: PS 98:1, 2-3AB, 3CD-4, 5-6
Response: All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.
Sing to Yahweh a new song, for he has done marvelous things! His right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him.
R: All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.
Yahweh has made known his salvation. He has openly shown his righteousness in the sight of the nations.
He has remembered his loving kindness and his faithfulness toward the house of Israel.
R: All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.
All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.
Make a joyful noise to Yahweh, all the earth! Burst out and sing for joy, yes, sing praises!
R: All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.
Sing praises to Yahweh with the harp, with the harp and the voice of melody.
With trumpets and sound of the ram’s horn, make a joyful noise before the King, Yahweh.
R: All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.
Reading 2: EPH 1:3-6, 15-18
The second reading from the Letter of Saint Paul to the Ephesians.
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and without defect before him in love, having predestined us for adoption as children through Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his desire, to the praise of the glory of his grace, by which he freely gave us favor in the Beloved.
For this cause I also, having heard of the faith in the Lord Jesus which is among you and the love which you have toward all the saints, don’t cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope of his calling, and what are the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints.
Gospel of the Day: MK 10:13-16
From the gospel verse according to Mark.
They were bringing to him little children, that he should touch them, but the disciples rebuked those who were bringing them.
But when Jesus saw it, he was moved with indignation and said to them, “Allow the little children to come to me! Don’t forbid them, for God’s Kingdom belongs to such as these.
Most certainly I tell you, whoever will not receive God’s Kingdom like a little child, he will in no way enter into it.”
He took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them.
