Read 1 John 1:5-2:2, Ps. 124:2-5,7-8, Matthew 2:13-18
“Then was fulfilled what had been spoken through the prophet Jeremiah: ‘A voice was heard in Ramah, wailing and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children; she refused to be consoled because they are no more.’” (Matthew 2:17-18)
Today, we remember the Holy Innocents, the children whom Herod slaughtered in an attempt to kill the baby, Jesus. When the star led the wise men to the newly born king, they mistakenly went to the Palace, assuming kings are only born in palaces. That was how Herod got to know about Jesus. He couldn’t stomach the existence of another king alive when he was still king.
Herod instructed the wise men to find out about the child and return the news to him so that he could go and do the child's homage. This was a trick. He wanted, by all means, to eliminate the child. As God would have it, Herod realized that his trick failed when, after two whole years, the wise men never returned.
In a rage, Herod commanded the killing of all the male children two years old and younger. Herod did this as an act of war to protect his kingship. Herod did not know that Jesus was not an earthly king interested in worldly power.
We behave like Herod when we don’t let others shine. Whenever we hold on to power, even to the detriment of others, we act like Herod. We may condemn Herod’s action, but when we examine our conscience, we realize we have done worse than Herod in the past. How often have I felt so threatened by the success of others to the extent of doing all in my power to pull them down, get them out of the way, or even eliminate them?
No wonder our first reading today says: “If we claim we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves, but if we confess our sins, God is faithful and just and will forgive our sins.” Repent. Let others shine. What belongs to you can never pass you by. Pulling others down, defaming people’s character, or blackmailing just to look good will not get you far. Ultimately, no matter how hard you try, you can never stop anyone from achieving their God-given potential, just as Herod could not stop Jesus.
The death of the Holy innocents casts a dark shadow on our Christmas celebration. It gives us a glimpse of the darkness that filled the earth before Christ brought light to the world. It also gives us a glimpse of what life on earth would have been if Jesus had not been born.
As to why God allowed these children to die instead of giving Herod a knock, we do not know; we cannot question God’s ways. We know that we serve a God who will always protect us by warning us ahead of danger, just as He sent an Angel to warn Joseph.
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, free me from the spirit of Herod. Through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (The Holy Innocents, Martyrs – Feast. Bible Study: 1 John 1:5-2:2, Ps. 124:2-5,7-8, Matthew 2:13-18)
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu