Today the Church celebrates the Feast of the Holy Innocents. Who are the Holy Innocents? They are the children killed by order of Herod in Bethlehem right after the birth of Christ. We read about this today in the Gospel reading from Matthew 2. Matthew tells us that this fulfilled what had been said through the prophet Jeremiah: “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.”
Can you imagine the horror? You’re minding your own business, looking after your baby boy when suddenly soldiers break into your house and take your son away to kill him. Unspeakable horror. Yet for so many years now, we have been witnessing a similar horror here in the U.S.: abortion. Thousands of innocent babies slaughtered every day. Government sanctioned, and all under the guise of “choice.”
I like to think that, each time a baby dies through the sin of abortion, the Holy Innocents are there to welcome that soul into the arms of the Father. And that the Holy Innocents are praying for that mother who felt her only “choice” was to take the life of her own child. And for the doctor who probably believes that they have done an honorable thing. And for all the politicians and lawmakers, especially those who call themselves Catholic, who condone this despicable act. May we join the Holy Innocents in prayer, and continue to raise our voices to stop these unspeakable horrors.
Father, we realize that we, like Herod and his soldiers, have blood on our hands. Forgive our sins, Lord, and help us to do what is right in your eyes by defending today’s Holy Innocents. Amen.
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