Readings: 1 John 1:5-2:2, Ps. 124:2-5,7-8, Matthew 2:13-18
“Then Herod, when he saw that the wise men had tricked him, was in a furious rage, and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region who were two years old or under, according to the time which he had ascertained from the wise men.” (Matthew 2:16)
- Today, we remember the Holy Innocents, the children 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.
- It turned out that Jesus, the king of kings, was not born in a palace. God works in mysterious ways. Give thanks and praise for God for everything because you can never tell if the manger (in which you find yourself now) is a blessing in disguise.
- Herod instructed the wise men to find out about the child and return the news to him so he could go and pay the child homage. This was a trick. He wanted to eliminate the child. As God would have it, Herod realised his trick failed after two years, and the wise men never returned. In pidgin, we say: “cunny man die, cunny man bury am”, meaning earthly wisdom cannot compare to heavenly wisdom.
- In a rage, Herod commanded the killing of all the male children two years old and younger. Herod felt he was protecting his kingdom from a rival king, not knowing that Jesus’ kingship was not earthly. Jesus would later say to Pilate: “My kingship is not of this world; if my kingship were of this world, my servants would fight, that I might not be handed over to the Jews; but my kingship is not from the world.” (John 18:36)
- Herod’s action casts a dark shadow on Christmas. It raises many questions about God's power in failing to protect these innocent children, but it also reflects our human nature. The book of Jeremiah says, “The heart is deceitful above all things and desperately corrupt; who can understand it?” (Jeremiah 17:9). Herod’s action shows the darkness of humanity in need of salvation. It explains what could have become of the world if God had not taken our flesh.
- We behave like Herod when we don’t let others shine. We condemn Herod’s action, but when we examine our conscience, we realise we are just like him. Hence, 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.” For instance, we behave like Herod when we abort our unborn babies for fear that their birth may prevent us from enjoying our lives.
- There is no difference between what Herod did and what we do when we support abortion. Every child has a right to life. Refrain from sexual pleasure in all its forms unless you desire to have children. Today’s readings call for repentance. Don’t become another Herod by killing an innocent child in an attempt to look good or retain your status.
- Jesus’ message to the world is: “Love your neighbour as yourself.” In John 13:34-35, Jesus said: “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this, all men will know you are my disciples if you love one another.” In simpler terms, Jesus’ message to us is: “Love your enemies (whether real or perceived).”
- Loving others as Jesus loved us entails allowing our rivals to shine; it is refraining from power struggles and dirty politics. Loving others is refusing to kill someone (whether physically or by defamation) just because you feel they are trying to take your place. If we all accept the Gospel of love, our world would be much better.
- There is no need to pull anyone down to climb. What belongs to you can never pass you by. On the other hand, no matter how hard you try, you can never stop anyone from achieving their God-given potential. Herod could not stop Jesus. No one can stop you until you accomplish God’s plan for your life.
- They will try, but God will stand by you. You will sing with today’s responsorial psalm: “Our life, like a bird, has escaped from the snare of the fowler.” This psalm reminds us that God alone will deliver us from our enemies. Put no trust in man. Be prayerful. Help comes only from God, who made heaven and earth.
- Even after the death of these children, Herod still felt his kingdom was under threat. He was never at peace. He later developed mental illness and other debilitating health issues. Actions have consequences. You can never enjoy this life if you take someone’s life or cut short their joy.
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, free us from the spirit of Herod. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (The Holy Innocents, Martyrs - Feast Liturgical Colour: Red. Bible Study: 1 John 1:5-2:2, Ps. 124:2-5,7-8, Matthew 2:13-18).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu