« Pope Benedict XVI and Faith and Reason | Main | Pope's Encyclical »
December 28, 2005
Feast of the Holy Innocents
Then Herod perceiving that he was deluded by the wise men, was exceeding angry: and sending killed all the menchildren that were in Bethlehem, and in all the borders thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently inquired of the wise men. Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremias the prophet, saying: A voice in Rama was heard, lamentation and great mourning; Rachel bewailing her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not. - Saint Matthew 2:16-18
Saint Stephen is often considered the first martyr for Christ and in most ways that is true (as the Catholic Encyclopedia says: Martyr by Will, Love, and Blood). The Holy Innocents are often forgotten, however. These Holy Children were killed in Herod's attempt to destroy the Christ child because he wanted to hold on to his power. If Herod knew anything at all about the Christ child, however, he would have realized that Jesus posed no threat to power here. Christ was not interested in temporal power, as so many thought and sadly still thinks today. As a result, the Children of Bethlehem were martyred for Christ. They became the very first to spill their blood because of men's hatred for God. In a moment when we are celebrating giving and receiving gifts, the Church is teaching us an important lesson on this Feast. What is always best for us is not always something we may receive. The Church is also teaching us that we need to pick up our crosses and carry them, that our suffering here on earth will be short compared to the bliss of Heaven. This is the message behind Saint Stephen, the Holy Innocents, and even Saint John the beloved. All three suffered here on earth, all three received something they probably would not have wanted otherwise, but yet all three now enjoy the Heavenly Court. This seems to be the message that the Church is teachings us during this Holy Christmas Octave.
May Saint Stephen, Saint John the beloved, and the Holy Innocents teach us to pick up our crosses and bear them for the sake of the Kingdom of God. Amen.
Posted by cr3do1 at December 28, 2005 06:20 PM
Comments
Post a comment
Thanks for signing in, . Now you can comment. (sign out)
(If you haven't left a comment here before, you may need to be approved by the site owner before your comment will appear. Until then, it won't appear on the entry. Thanks for waiting.)