Feast of the Holy Innocents

Good morning. The Church today commemorates the Holy Innocents as it has done since the sixth century. This Feast recalls the mass slaughter of innocent children’s lives in response to the proclamation of Herod Antipas who was afraid that the new born king, Jesus, would disrupt or replace his rule of Judea. The Gospel of Matthew (Mt 2:13-18) notes, that following the visit with the Three Wise Men, King Herod, in an egomaniacal act of fury, orders the slaughter of all the baby boys under two years of age in and around Bethlehem in an effort to eliminate any potential threat to his reign over Judea. These innocent lives are honored yearly by the Church as martyrs on December 28. Things have not changed since then; people continue to fear the King born in a manger. There is not available any number regarding the amount of lives that were taken in response to this heinous massacre ordered by Herod, but it is quite likely that the numbers pale in comparison to the daily slaughter of human lives that are taken every day throughout the world in response to the threat of a new life. Much as Herod responded out of fear and uncertainty we daily extinguish innocent lives through abortion. It is estimated that in the United States 3500 babies are killed daily as a result of abortion. Much as Herod was aware that the taking of life from those “Holy Innocents” was wrong, we too know that the taking of 3500 innocent lives through abortion is just as wrong. No amount of legislation or government support, or calling it a “choice” will ever make it right. As then it is fear that puts aside any thought as to right and wrong, it is a decision driven by the darkness of the evil one. As Blessed Teresa of Calcutta indicated, "Abortion kills twice. It kills the body of the baby and it kills the conscience of the mother." It likewise has deadened the conscience of all of us; we must all pray daily to end abortion. The slaughtered infants of Judea were martyrs; although they were not aware of it they gave their lives as witnesses to the Truth. The 3500 slaughtered infants today who will give their lives are martyrs; although they are not aware of it like the Holy Innocents they give their lives as witnesses to the Truth. May all of us work and pray to end abortion. May the Holy Innocents pray for us! Make a great day!

Today we commemorate the Feast of the Holy Innocents.