The Holy Innocents

A voice was heard in Ramah, wailing and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children ; she refused to be consoled, because they are no more’.

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, Afghanistan, Syria, or the many places here 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.

Mary, Joseph and Jesus were also a refugee family willing to make sacrifices, pull up roots and relocate to a foreign place just to give safety to their family. Three days ago we celebrated the birth of that newborn babe who was born in a lowly stable in Bethlehem.  He is that 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, befriend the innocent and lead others to justice.

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

Osho