Feast of the Holy Innocents, martyrs
Lectionary: 698
Lectionary: 698
Beloved:
This is the message that we have heard from Jesus Christ
and proclaim to you:
God is light, and in him there is no darkness at all.
If we say, "We have fellowship with him,"
while we continue to walk in darkness,
we lie and do not act in truth.
But if we walk in the light as he is in the light,
then we have fellowship with one another,
and the Blood of his Son Jesus cleanses us from all sin.
If we say, "We are without sin,"
we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
If we acknowledge our sins, he is faithful and just
and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from every wrongdoing.
If we say, "We have not sinned," we make him a liar,
and his word is not in us.
My children, I am writing this to you
so that you may not commit sin.
But if anyone does sin, we have an Advocate with the Father,
Jesus Christ the righteous one.
He is expiation for our sins,
and not for our sins only but for those of the whole world.
This is the message that we have heard from Jesus Christ
and proclaim to you:
God is light, and in him there is no darkness at all.
If we say, "We have fellowship with him,"
while we continue to walk in darkness,
we lie and do not act in truth.
But if we walk in the light as he is in the light,
then we have fellowship with one another,
and the Blood of his Son Jesus cleanses us from all sin.
If we say, "We are without sin,"
we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
If we acknowledge our sins, he is faithful and just
and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from every wrongdoing.
If we say, "We have not sinned," we make him a liar,
and his word is not in us.
My children, I am writing this to you
so that you may not commit sin.
But if anyone does sin, we have an Advocate with the Father,
Jesus Christ the righteous one.
He is expiation for our sins,
and not for our sins only but for those of the whole world.
Responsorial
PsalmPS 124:2-3, 4-5, 7CD-8
R.(7) Our
soul has been rescued like a bird from the fowler's snare.
Had not the LORD been with us—
When men rose up against us,
then would they have swallowed us alive,
When their fury was inflamed against us.
R. Our soul has been rescued like a bird from the fowler's snare.
Then would the waters have overwhelmed us;
The torrent would have swept over us;
over us then would have swept the raging waters.
R. Our soul has been rescued like a bird from the fowler's snare.
Broken was the snare,
and we were freed.
Our help is in the name of the LORD,
who made heaven and earth.
R. Our soul has been rescued like a bird from the fowler's snare.
Had not the LORD been with us—
When men rose up against us,
then would they have swallowed us alive,
When their fury was inflamed against us.
R. Our soul has been rescued like a bird from the fowler's snare.
Then would the waters have overwhelmed us;
The torrent would have swept over us;
over us then would have swept the raging waters.
R. Our soul has been rescued like a bird from the fowler's snare.
Broken was the snare,
and we were freed.
Our help is in the name of the LORD,
who made heaven and earth.
R. Our soul has been rescued like a bird from the fowler's snare.
Alleluia See Te Deum
R. Alleluia,
alleluia.
We praise you, O God,
we acclaim you as Lord;
the white-robed army of martyrs praise you.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
We praise you, O God,
we acclaim you as Lord;
the white-robed army of martyrs praise you.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GospelMT 2:13-18
When the magi had departed, behold,
the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said,
"Rise, take the child and his mother, flee to Egypt,
and stay there until I tell you.
Herod is going to search for the child to destroy him."
Joseph rose and took the child and his mother by night
and departed for Egypt.
He stayed there until the death of Herod,
that what the Lord had said through the prophet might be fulfilled,
Out of Egypt I called my son.
When Herod realized that he had been deceived by the magi,
he became furious.
He ordered the massacre of all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity
two years old and under,
in accordance with the time he had ascertained from the magi.
Then was fulfilled what had been said through Jeremiah the prophet:
A voice was heard in Ramah,
sobbing and loud lamentation;
Rachel weeping for her children,
and she would not be consoled,
since they were no more.
the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said,
"Rise, take the child and his mother, flee to Egypt,
and stay there until I tell you.
Herod is going to search for the child to destroy him."
Joseph rose and took the child and his mother by night
and departed for Egypt.
He stayed there until the death of Herod,
that what the Lord had said through the prophet might be fulfilled,
Out of Egypt I called my son.
When Herod realized that he had been deceived by the magi,
he became furious.
He ordered the massacre of all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity
two years old and under,
in accordance with the time he had ascertained from the magi.
Then was fulfilled what had been said through Jeremiah the prophet:
A voice was heard in Ramah,
sobbing and loud lamentation;
Rachel weeping for her children,
and she would not be consoled,
since they were no more.
Meditation:
"Rachel
weeping for her children"
Who
can explain suffering, especially the suffering of innocent children? Herod's
massacre of children who gave their lives for a person and a truth they did not
know seemed so useless and unjust. What a scandal and stumbling block for those
who can't recognize God's redeeming love. Why couldn't God prevent this
slaughter? Suffering is indeed a mystery. No explanation seems to satisfy our
human craving to understand.
First
martyrs for Christ
These innocent children who died on Christ's behalf are the first martyrs who shed their blood for Jesus Christ. Suffering, persecution, and martyrdom are the lot of all who chose to follow Jesus Christ. There is no crown without the cross. It was through Jesus' suffering, humiliation, and death on a cross, that our salvation was won. His death won life - eternal life for us. And his blood which was shed for our sake obtained pardon and reconciliation with our heavenly Father.
These innocent children who died on Christ's behalf are the first martyrs who shed their blood for Jesus Christ. Suffering, persecution, and martyrdom are the lot of all who chose to follow Jesus Christ. There is no crown without the cross. It was through Jesus' suffering, humiliation, and death on a cross, that our salvation was won. His death won life - eternal life for us. And his blood which was shed for our sake obtained pardon and reconciliation with our heavenly Father.
Suffering
can take many forms - illness, disease, handicap, physical pain and emotional
trauma, slander, abuse, poverty, and injustice. Paul the Apostle states: We
know that in everything God works for good with those who love him, who are called
to his purpose (Romans 8:28)? Jesus exclaimed that those who weep, who
are reviled and persecuted for righteousness sake are blessed (Matthew
5:10-12). The word blessed [makarios in the Greek]
literally means happiness or beatitude. It
describes a kind of joy which is serene and untouchable, self-contained and
independent from chance and changing circumstances of life.
Supernatural
joy in the face of suffering
There is a certain paradox for those blessed by the Lord. Mary was given the blessedness of being the mother of the Son of God. That blessedness also would become a sword which pierced her heart as her Son died upon the cross. She received both a crown of joy and a cross of sorrow. But her joy was not diminished by her sorrow because it was fueled by her faith, hope, and trust in God and his promises. Jesus promised his disciples that "no one will take your joy from you" (John 16:22).
There is a certain paradox for those blessed by the Lord. Mary was given the blessedness of being the mother of the Son of God. That blessedness also would become a sword which pierced her heart as her Son died upon the cross. She received both a crown of joy and a cross of sorrow. But her joy was not diminished by her sorrow because it was fueled by her faith, hope, and trust in God and his promises. Jesus promised his disciples that "no one will take your joy from you" (John 16:22).
The
Lord gives each of us a supernatural joy which enables us to bear any sorrow or
pain and which neither life nor death can take way. Do you know the joy of a
life fully given over to God with faith and trust?
"Lord
Jesus, you gave your life for my sake, to redeem me from slavery to sin and
death. Help me to carry my cross with joy that I may willingly do your will and
not shrink back out of fear or cowardice when trouble besets me."
Daily
Quote from the early church fathers: The first martyrs of Christ, by
Chromatius (died 406 AD)
"In
Bethlehem therefore all the babies were slain. These innocents who died then on
Christ's behalf became the first martyrs of Christ. David refers to them when
he says, 'From the mouths of nursing babies you have perfected praise because
of your enemies, that you might bring ruin to the enemy' (Psalm 8:2). ... For
in this persecution even tiny infants and nursing babies were killed on
Christ's behalf and attained to the consummate praise of martyrs. Meanwhile the
wicked king Herod was destroyed, he who had usurped the realm to defend himself
against the king of the heavens. Thus it is that those blessed babes have
deservedly lasted beyond others. They were the first who were worthy to die on
Christ’s behalf." (excerpt from TRACTATE ON MATTHEW 6.2)
[Note:
Chromatius was an early Christian scholar and bishop of Aquileia, Italy. He was
a close friend of John Chrysostom and Jerome. He died in 406 AD. Jerome
describead him as a "most learned and most holy man."]
FEAST OF THE HOLY INNOCENTS, MARTYRS
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 28, MATTHEW 2:13-18
(1 John 1:5 ― 2:2; Psalm 124)
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 28, MATTHEW 2:13-18
(1 John 1:5 ― 2:2; Psalm 124)
KEY VERSE: "Rachel weeping for her children, and she would not be consoled, since they were no more" (v. 18).
TO KNOW: Fearing a threat to his throne, King Herod gathered the chief priests and scribes and inquired where the "newborn king of the Jews" was to be born (Matt 2:2). Jesus was not born in the political capitals of Rome, Athens or even Jerusalem, but in Bethlehem, a tiny outpost in the corner of the Roman Empire. When Herod was informed that the Messiah was to be born in Bethlehem, the ancestral home of King David, Herod ordered the massacre of all infants in the vicinity. Matthew recalled the words of the prophet Jeremiah when he spoke of the lamentation of Rachel, the wife of Jacob/Israel (31:15). Jeremiah pictured the people of Jerusalem being led away into captivity in Babylon. As they passed Ramah, the place where Rachel was buried (1Sam.10:2), the prophet depicted Rachel weeping for the fate that befell her people. Just as the Hebrews found protection in Egypt under the patriarch Joseph (Gn 47:12), Mary's spouse Joseph obeyed the angel's order to take his family to safety in Egypt. In promising their safe return, Matthew quotes the prophet Hosea "out of Egypt I called my son" (Hos 11:1). Thus Matthew shows the continuity with God's people being liberated in the exodus, and of Jesus coming into the world to save all people from sin.
TO LOVE: Do I make known my views on the wrongdoings of child abuse and abortion?
TO SERVE: Lord Jesus, comfort the innocent who suffer at the hands of their oppressors.
THE HOLY INNOCENTS, MARTYRS
The commemoration of the massacre of the "Holy Innocents"—considered by some Christians as the first martyrs for Christ — first appears as a feast of the western church, dating from about 485. On December 28, the Church has celebrated the memory of those children killed because of Herod's rage against Christ (Mt 2:16-17). In our own times, children suffer innumerable forms of violence which threaten their lives, dignity and rights. On this day, it is appropriate to recall the vast host of children not yet born who have been killed under the cover of law permitting abortion. Mindful of this, popular piety in many places has inspired acts of worship as well as assistance to pregnant mothers, to encourage adoption, and the promotion of the education of children and protection through child labor laws.
Saturday 28 December 2019
Holy Innocents
1 John 1:5 – 2:2. Psalm 123(124):2-5, 7-8. Matthew 2:13-18.
Our soul has escaped like a bird from the hunter’s nest – Psalm 123(124):2-5, 7-8.
‘An angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream.’
1 John 1:5 – 2:2. Psalm 123(124):2-5, 7-8. Matthew 2:13-18.
Our soul has escaped like a bird from the hunter’s nest – Psalm 123(124):2-5, 7-8.
‘An angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream.’
Still a baby, Jesus is already a refugee. The picture of this
family confronts us so often in the media: facing danger, travelling with a
small collection of belongings, any hopes of an untroubled family life dashed.
Mary is unsure of even the next night’s shelter. Joseph too is confused, but he
has the Lord’s reassurance. Gradually, Mary shares his optimism and strength.
God only wants their trust. As they slip away in the darkness, panic is already
gripping the city as soldiers pour onto the streets. Mary clings desperately to
her baby. He is all she has. He is all any of us have. And he is beginning to
cry.
Lord Jesus, you fled by night to the safety of Egypt. Be with
all who journey on perilous paths this day. As they seek safe passage may the
presence of friendly people and welcoming countries offer assurance and peace.
Holy Innocents
Saint of the Day for December 28
 |
| The Massacre of the Innocents | Angelo Visconti |
The Story of the Holy Innocents
Herod “the Great,” king of Judea, was unpopular with his people
because of his connections with the Romans and his religious indifference.
Hence he was insecure and fearful of any threat to his throne. He was a master
politician and a tyrant capable of extreme brutality. He killed his wife, his
brother, and his sister’s two husbands, to name only a few.
Matthew 2:1-18 tells this story: Herod was “greatly troubled”
when astrologers from the east came asking the whereabouts of “the newborn king
of the Jews,” whose star they had seen. They were told that the Jewish
Scriptures named Bethlehem as the place where the Messiah would be born. Herod
cunningly told them to report back to him so that he could also “do him
homage.” They found Jesus, offered him their gifts, and warned by an angel,
avoided Herod on their way home. Jesus escaped to Egypt.
Herod became furious and “ordered the massacre of all the boys
in Bethlehem and its vicinity two years old and under.” The horror of the
massacre and the devastation of the mothers and fathers led Matthew to quote
Jeremiah: “A voice was heard in Ramah, sobbing and loud lamentation; Rachel
weeping for her children…” (Matthew 2:18). Rachel was the wife of Jacob
(Israel). She is pictured as weeping at the place where the Israelites were
herded together by the conquering Assyrians for their march into captivity.
Reflection
The Holy Innocents are few in comparison to the genocide and
abortion of our day. But even if there had been only one, we recognize the
greatest treasure God put on the earth—a human person, destined for eternity,
and graced by Jesus’ death and resurrection.
The Holy Innocents are the Patron Saints of:
Babies
Lectio Divina: The Holy Innocents
Lectio Divina
Saturday, December 28, 2019
Christmas Time
Reading: Mt
2:13-18
When the magi had departed, behold,
the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said,
"Rise, take the child and his mother, flee to Egypt,
and stay there until I tell you.
Herod is going to search for the child to destroy him."
Joseph rose and took the child and his mother by night
and departed for Egypt.
He stayed there until the death of Herod,
that what the Lord had said through the prophet might be fulfilled:
“Out of Egypt I called my son.”
the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said,
"Rise, take the child and his mother, flee to Egypt,
and stay there until I tell you.
Herod is going to search for the child to destroy him."
Joseph rose and took the child and his mother by night
and departed for Egypt.
He stayed there until the death of Herod,
that what the Lord had said through the prophet might be fulfilled:
“Out of Egypt I called my son.”
When Herod realized that he had been deceived by the magi,
he became furious.
He ordered the massacre of all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity
two years old and under,
in accordance with the time he had ascertained from the magi.
Then was fulfilled what had been said through Jeremiah the prophet:
he became furious.
He ordered the massacre of all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity
two years old and under,
in accordance with the time he had ascertained from the magi.
Then was fulfilled what had been said through Jeremiah the prophet:
A voice was heard in Ramah,
sobbing and loud lamentation;
Rachel weeping for her children,
and she would not be consoled,
since they were no more.
sobbing and loud lamentation;
Rachel weeping for her children,
and she would not be consoled,
since they were no more.
1. Lectio
Through the departure of the Magi, this text is connected to
four passages that have preceded it regarding the story of their visit. The
following context covers a period of many years following the death of Herod
and also telling of the return of Joseph, Mary and Jesus to Palestine and their
settling down in Nazareth.
The text of the infancy narrative according to Matthew is
contrasted with what appears in the account of the slavery in Egypt and the
Exodus. This is a combination of different elements: the name of Joseph which
recalls the son of Jacob who went down to Egypt, the massacre of the children,
and the return from Egypt.
It is an angel of the Lord who comes to Joseph. He finds himself
in danger, and makes the flight into a land that, at that time, was one of the
outlets for Hebrew emigration. This warning came in a dream and it points to a
particular revelation, perhaps more hidden and requiring deeper consideration.
This would again testify to the characteristic wisdom of Mary's spouse. The
flight of Joseph, the child, and the mother has a temporal characteristic: it
happens at night. We find two Old Testament citations, which throw light on the
events being recounted. Hosea and Jeremiah are cited. After the first citation,
short and to the point, the scene moves to Herod who orders the systematic
killing of the children of Bethlehem and its surroundings. This agrees with
other historical sources that describe him as a ruler without scruples, ready
to kill even his own children to stay in power. The final Old Testament
citation, which is much longer, closes the section. It takes up the lament of
the prophet Jeremiah regarding the Assyrian deportation; the Evangelist locates
the slaughter that takes place at the very heart of the suffering people of
God.
2. Meditation
Recalling the experience of exile and slavery of the people of
Egypt and their return to their homeland also recalls the Passover of the
Hebrews, thus opening the passage to its greater meaning.
Furthermore, the perspective given by the text underlines the
accomplishment of the Word of God within human experience, even in those people
who are the cruelest.
From this emerges the readiness of God to protect the gift given to humankind throughout history: His own Son. But the Son of God is not preserved from pain, a reason for us to consider the future Easter event. Jesus is saved at this moment so that He can announce the Word in the future in order to give life when the time comes, while the protector is Joseph, a wise man, who knows how to listen (see Mt 1:20 & 2:19) and act accordingly.
From this emerges the readiness of God to protect the gift given to humankind throughout history: His own Son. But the Son of God is not preserved from pain, a reason for us to consider the future Easter event. Jesus is saved at this moment so that He can announce the Word in the future in order to give life when the time comes, while the protector is Joseph, a wise man, who knows how to listen (see Mt 1:20 & 2:19) and act accordingly.
Herod accomplishes his slaughter, driven by his fear of losing
his power and infuriated by the failure of his attempted deception of the Magi.
The text expresses it as if it was he who was deceived, and thus it shows the
evil reasoning of power, its arrogance that believes that the one who opposes
it is always wrong.
So we are drawn to ask ourselves why God allows all this.
Perhaps this question may reveal our involvement: our greed and thirst for
power, the roots of cruelty that history experiences in every age. God answers
the question regarding the “why of evil", and He does it, not with words,
but through incarnation of this in our history, thus establishing a history of
salvation.
That is why Easter, with its light, is on the horizon at Christmas.
That is why Easter, with its light, is on the horizon at Christmas.
3. Oratio
So that we might learn from and listen to the Word and put it
into practice.
For all those who are forced to flee their homeland.
So that we might be aware of the struggles brought about by every form of greed and power seeking, and thus be protected from it.
For all the wounded children of today, the hungry, child-soldiers, the sexually exploited, the sexually abused.
For all those who are forced to flee their homeland.
So that we might be aware of the struggles brought about by every form of greed and power seeking, and thus be protected from it.
For all the wounded children of today, the hungry, child-soldiers, the sexually exploited, the sexually abused.
4. Contemplatio
The text invites us to look into history with the eyes of faith,
a history God has chosen to be present in, even beyond all our
imagining. At the same time, God is inviting us to take responsibility
for those who, for different reasons, suffer persecution and displacement.
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