Homily (Reflection) for the Feast of
the Holy Innocents, Mm. (Octave of Christmas) (28th December, 2019)
on the Gospel and the Feast
1Jn 1:5–2:2;
Ps 123:2-5.7-8. (R. v. 7);
Matt 2:13-18.
The Feast of the
Holy Innocents commemorates the children Herod the Great, the Roman-appointed
King of the Jews killed. He directed the Magi from the east who were searching
for Jesus to Bethlehem, and requested them to let him know the newborn king
when they found him. But they were warned in a dream not to go back to Herod. Saint
Joseph also
took the child and his mother to Egypt as directed by an angel. And when Herod
realized that he had been tricked by the Magi, he was furious, and gave orders
to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old or
under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the Magi. The number of the
infants is not certain. The Holy Innocents, although Jewish, have been claimed
as martyrs for Christianity[1]
Topic: Herod’s anger.
In the gospel according to Saint Matthew, King Herod was
frightened when he heard that a king was born, cf. Matt2:3. He saw him as a rival. As a result, he ordered for the
massacre of every male child in and around Bethlehem who were 2 years old or
under as we read in today’s gospel.
These Holy Innocents committed no offence. And in fact, no
offence was committed. Yet they were killed in such gruesome manner without any
atom of mercy.
May be you have suffered Herod’s anger in one way or another.
And surely it was too painful because of the fact that you are innocent. Or
even you may still be suffering or nursing such pains.
On the other hand, has anybody suffered Herod’s anger in your
own hands? And what have you done about it or hope to achieve through that?
If you have suffered unjustly or still suffering like the
Holy Innocents, look unto God for surely He is coming soon, cf. Rev 22:20. Again, “...hold fast what
you have, so that no one may seize your crown” (Rev 3:11). And if others have suffered or are still suffering in
your hands, make amends today. It is very important. Remember, God is coming to
reward all according to what each has done, cf. Rev 22:12.
Bible Reading: Eph 4:25 – 5:2.
Thought for today: Has anyone suffered unjustly in your hands?
Let us pray: May God help us bring healing to all
those who suffer – Amen.
Holy Innocents – Pray for us.
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others if you consider it worthy.
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