Saint of the Day
The Holy Innocents
The Holy Innocents are the children of Bethlehem massacred by King Herod in his attempt to destroy the infant Jesus. Venerated as the first martyrs of the Christian faith, though they died before Christ completed his saving work, they are held to have been baptized in blood. Their feast has historically been a day of special prayer for children who suffer violence and for all whose lives are cut short by the cruelty of others.
Scripture Reading
Matthew 2:16, 18
When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under... "A voice is heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more."
Reflection
The Holy Innocents remind us that Christmas enters a world of real brutality. The manger is set against the shadow of the sword. These children, who never spoke a word, are called martyrs — witnesses by their very deaths to the threat the King of kings posed to every earthly power. God holds every innocent life, even those whose stories end far too soon.
Prayer for Today
Gracious Father, let Syrias and Iraq's children experience Your loving presence when fears or memories torment their minds. Help their parents and aid organizations find ways for them to continue their schooling and make up missed lessons. Keep this generation from being lost to poverty and despair.
Amen.