Feast of the Holy Innocents, martyrs

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.”

In today’s Gospel reading, Matthew says that Herod became enraged when the magi had deceived him. He then ordered that all of the boys two years old and younger in Bethlehem and the area to be murdered. Herod sought to destroy a truth he could not bear to come to the throne: Jesus, incarnate Truth. In Herod’s massacre of the Holy Innocents, great suffering and inconsolable grief came among the people of Bethlehem. As a baptism by blood, this martyrdom brought them into God’s perpetual light and mercy. Herod in his fury, would acknowledge no wrongdoing in this and deceived himself of the truth and redemption revealed in the infant Jesus. As Saint John says in the first reading: “If we say, ‘We are without sin,’ we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we acknowledge our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from every wrongdoing.” What do I do to speak for the Holy Innocents, the unborn, who have no voice to defend or protect them? 

God, help me understand that the massacre of the Holy Innocents continues today. Turn my heart in prayer to you alone who can free the Holy Innocents from slaughter. As the psalmist says, “Broken was the snare, and we were freed. Our help is in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth.” Father almighty, Truth and Mercy itself, take my hands and my voice to make me an instrument of your will. Help me know and do your will.

Jesus, dying on the cross you destroyed death; rising, you restored life. Massacred at the command of Herod, the Holy Innocents received a baptism by blood; born into heaven, they praise you forever. Grant me the grace, Lord, to acknowledge my sins so that you can cleanse me from every wrongdoing. Lord, have mercy! Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Readings