Feast of the Holy Innocents, martyrs
Even with our sensitivities somewhat dulled by constant reports of horrible violence inflicted on innocent people, the story of the slaughter of the innocents continues to jolt our imagination. How could someone be so cold-hearted and paranoid as to order the execution of all two-year-old male children in and around Bethlehem?
Perhaps the best approach to the question requires knowing the context. Today is the Wednesday following Christmas. We’ve had a series of feast days honoring people with the extraordinary ability to make the heroic acts of total love and self-sacrifice. We believe that it stems from their conscious relationship with God. From a secular perspective, that explanation sounds like nonsense and utterly useless. However, history shows us that when God is rejected, human beings are capable of acting with no regard for human dignity and with the most despicable cruelty.
Today’s Gospel extends the deeper meaning of the Incarnation and Christmas. It calls our attention to more than the sorrow of Rachel weeping for her lost children in Biblical times. The fact that Jesus took on our human nature and our human experience gives us a moral connection with our brothers and sisters around the world. We must therefore grieve and be moved to action when we learn about human slaughter and cruelties imposed on the innocent. Weeping and grieving can be transformative when they sensitize us to our role. We pray that God will bring healing to those who suffer and also bring justice and accountability to those who cause suffering. Does this stir up in us a new commitment to work for justice and peace?
Reflection by Fr. Daniel Petsche, OSB
Posted in Articles for Christmas, Daily Reflections