Holy Innocents, Martyrs

1 John 1:5-2:2
Matthew 2:13-18

Today we celebrate the Holy Innocents who were killed by King Herod in his pursuit to kill the infant king- our savior Jesus Christ. The Herods of the world are still wreaking havoc upon innocent victims whether that be Bethlehem, Ukraine, Russia, Prague, Afghanistan, Syria, or the many places in our own country. Nigeria. Today as we remember the Holy Innocents, we must be aware of all the innocent who suffer past and present at the hands of powerful and cruel people.

It seems to be harder to be a Christian these days when we are surrounded by so much uncertainty, violence, injustice, unhappiness, anarchy, gloom, and doom brought about by the King Herods of our time.  We need to take time during this Christmas season to celebrate the birth of the newborn babe born in a lowly stable in Bethlehem. Maybe it’s time for us to reflect on the innocence of our youth, however short or long ago it was, and get in touch again with the Christian youthful zeal in each of us.  In this way just maybe the anarchy that seems to color our world in crimson blood so much will cease to have so much power over us, and Jesus’s light can shine forth from us. 

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph were also refugees to made sacrifices, pulled up roots, and relocated to a foreign place just to give safety to their families as they were warned by the angel to flee to Egypt. Wouldn’t it be nice if we had the opportunity to go a step further and take the time to help children who are suffering in so many ways in our neighborhoods, schools, churches, shelters, etc?

Christ is the light sent from God to guide us through the darkness to new life. It is this light that brings us hope in whatever darkness that may cloud our life journey.  We are called to be people who follow that light, give thanks to our loving God, care for the innocent, and lead others to justice and peace.

The Prince of Peace, Emmanuel, God with Us has come into the world!  Let us celebrate this good news by living our lives anew.  May peace reign in the hearts of all people today and in the days to come.  Amen.

Fr Joseph Osho