The Holy Innocent

Gospel
Matthew 2:13-18
He ordered the massacre of all boys in Bethlehem.

When the magi had departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I tell you. Herod is going to search for the child to destroy him.” Joseph rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed for Egypt. He stayed there until the death of Herod, that what the Lord had said through the prophet might be fulfilled, Out of Egypt I called my son.
When Herod realized that he had been deceived by the magi, he became furious. He ordered the massacre of all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had ascertained from the magi. Then was fulfilled what had been said through Jeremiah the prophet:

A voice was heard in Ramah,
    sobbing and loud lamentation;
Rachel weeping for her children,
    and she would not be consoled,
    since they were no more.

Reflection
A sad story because innocent children lives were taken because Herod wanted to take the lives of baby Jesus. What can we learn from this episode. First we have Herod who represent the evil one who will do anything to destroy what is good. Secondly there is our God who will act on what is good. The holy innocent represents persecution a price we have to pay if we love and follow Christ. Do we know the evil one is watching and waiting to persecute us?

Let us pray
Lord Jesus the killing of the Holy Innocents marks the beginning of persecution because of your name We too will face the same persecution. Grant we pray we will be protected from the evil one as we continue to glorify yoir name.

Amen

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