Tagle to faithful: Continue being ‘child at heart’

MANILA, Philippines — Everyone should be a “child at heart,” humble and appreciative of all the blessings in life, whether big or small, Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle said in his homily during a Friday evening mass in honor of the Child Jesus at the Sto. Niño de Pandacan Parish in Manila.

The Feast of the Santo Niño or the Holy Child is celebrated in many parts of the country today, especially in Tondo and Pandacan in Manila, and in Cebu province.

In his homily, Tagle told the faithful to emulate Jesus Christ, who remained humble and young at heart even in adulthood.

Jesus Christ, in His human persona, always reveled at what life could offer, especially to people’s faith.

Tagle said that it’s when a man loses his ability to see the wonders in life that his world begins to lose its luster.

Those who are no longer young at heart become bitter and find no joy in other’s good fortunes, and may even seek other’s ruin.

“There are many who spread darkness and hopelessness. Let’s not be one of them,” he said in Filipino.

Like children, the faithful should look with awe at the goodness of the Lord.

“Let’s stop complaining. Let’s just open our eyes and look with wonder at the blessings he’s giving us,” Tagle said. The reverence for the Santo Niño began in the early part of the Spanish rule.