January 20 (Sunday)
Feast of the Sto. Niño (Proper Feast in the Philippines);
Holy Childhood Day; Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
ENTRANCE ANTIPHON
(Cf. Is 9:15)
A child is born for us, and a son is given to us; his scepter of power rests
upon his shoulder, and his name will be called Messenger of great counsel.
INTRODUCTORY RITES (page XX)
COLLECT
Almighty God, your only Son, begotten from all
ages, humbled himself as a child in Nazareth and
became subject to Mary and
Joseph. Grant that we may learn from this example
to embrace your will in all things and, holding fast
to the dignity of all, serve our lowly brothers and
sisters with open hands and gentle heart. We ask
this through our Lord JesusChrist, your Son, who
lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy
Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.
FIRST READING (Isaiah 9:1-6)
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 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.
For a child is born to us, a son is given us; upon his shoulder dominion
rests. They name 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!
The word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM
(Psalm 97:1, 2-3ab, 3cd, 4-6)
R· The Lord is King; let the many isles be glad.
a) Sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done wondrous deeds; his
right hand has won victory for him, his holy arm. r·
b) The LORD has made his salvation known: in the sight of the nations
he has revealed his justice. He has remembered his kindness and his
faithfulness toward the house of Israel. r·
c) All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation by your God. Sing
joyfully to the LORD, all you lands; break into song; sing praise. r·
d) Sing praise to the LORD with the harp, with the harp and melodious
song. With trumpets and the sound of the horn sing joyfully before
the King, the LORD. r·
SECOND READING
(Ephesians 1:3-6, 15-18)
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us
in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavens, as he chose us in him,
before the foundation of the world, to be holy and without blemish before
him. In love he destined us for adoption to himself through Jesus Christ, in
accord with the favor of his will, for the praise of the glory of his grace that
he granted us in the beloved.
Therefore, I, too hearing of your faith in the Lord Jesus and of your love for
all the holy ones, do not cease giving thanks for you, remembering you in
my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may
give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation resulting in knowledge of him.
May the eyes of your hearts be enlightened, that you may know what is the
hope that belongs to his call, what are the riches of glory in his inheritance
among the holy ones.
The word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
ALLELUIA (JN 1:14)
Alleluia, alleluia. The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.
Alleluia, alleluia.
GOSPEL (LK 2:41-52)
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke.
Glory to you, O Lord.
Each year Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem for the feast of Passover, and
when he was twelve years old, they went up according to festival custom.
After they had completed its days, as they were returning, the boy Jesus
remained behind in Jerusalem, but his parents did not know it. Thinking
that he was in the caravan, they journeyed for a day and looked for him
among their relatives and acquaintances, but not finding him, they
returned to Jerusalem to look for him. After three days, they found him in
the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, listening to them and asking
them questions, and all who heard him were astounded at his
understanding and his answers. When his parents saw him, they were
astonished, and his mother said to him, “Son, why have you done this to
us? Your father and I have been looking for you with great anxiety.” And
he said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I
must be in my Father’s house?” But they did not understand what he said
to them. He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was
obedient to them; and his mother kept all these things in her heart. And
Jesus advanced in wisdom and age and favor before God and man.
The Gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
PROFESSION OF FAITH (page XX)
PRAYER OF THE FAITHFUL PREPARATION OF GIFTS (page XX)
PRAYER OVER THE OFFERINGS
God, our Creator, weoffer the gifts of bread and wine to recall the
childhood of your Son. Let our offering become the sacrifice of him who
brought forgiveness and peace to the world. Grant this through Christ our
Lord. Amen.
PREFACE OF THE NATIVITY OF THE LORD (page XX)
COMMUNION ANTIPHON
(Lk 2:51)
Jesus went down with Mary and Joseph and came to Nazareth, and was
obedient to them.
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Loving Father, you have nourished us at the banquet in honor of the Child
born of the Virgin. We pray that we may advance in wisdom and grow
daily in faith and works of love, so that we may find favour in your sight.
Grant this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
BLESSING & DISMISSAL (page XX) ORD
