Feast of the Holy Innocents, martyrs

Today's Mass Readings

There are horrible martyrs’ feasts, and then there are horrible martyrs’ feasts. It is difficult to think of anything more detestable than the slaughter of innocent children. Yet, those are the martyrdoms we celebrate today.

It is a hard feast to celebrate, but we note the sacrifice of these little ones who were embraced by God. Their slaughter in a vain hope to stamp out Christ the King, reminds us that even since Jesus’ coming, senseless violence continues to occur. Mothers cry to heaven but there is often no proper justice here.

The context of the massacre of the boys of Bethlehem is the backdrop to the Flight into Egypt. Matthew tells us the eventual return of the Holy Family will fulfill the prophecy, “Out of Egypt I have called my son” (Hosea 11:1). The first move to Egypt by Israel was seen as a son running away from God, and the people’s return was never truly faithful. Now, the actual Son of God will return with the fidelity that will not break. And His life and own sacrificial death will lead to the Resurrection – the only vindication of all this world’s irrational violence.

You can almost hear your arms-length Catholic incredulous ask why in the week after Christmas the Church celebrates these martyr-children. Yet, we all know too well the scourge of abortion in our own country. We see the irrational violence in our cities. We see that behavior that people have no problem disassociating from family and neighbors simply because of political stances. Baptism and Confirmation send us forth to work for justice. Yet, we must grapple with the reality of human wickedness in the world and not lose hope. We can do our part and still understand that Christ has overwhelmingly conquered and will one day mete out judgment.

Reflection by Fr. Pachomius Meade, OSB