💖 HOMILY - DECEMBER 28 💖

FEAST OF THE HOLY INNOCENTS, MARTYRS

First Reading - 1 John 1:5-2:3

Gospel - Matthew 2:13-18

In life, we make many sacrifices, but those made for the sake of others hold great significance. Today’s feast of the Holy Innocents of Bethlehem invites us to reflect on the ultimate sacrifice made by innocent children who died in place of Jesus. The readings remind us of the importance of sacrifice, particularly the sacrifice of Christ, whose blood was shed for our salvation.

The Gospel recounts the martyrdom of the children in Bethlehem under King Herod’s orders, a tragic event that highlights the cost of Christ’s coming into the world. Matthew, in his account, draws a parallel between Jesus and Moses, both of whom faced threats to their lives as infants. Just as Pharaoh sought to kill Moses, Herod sought to eliminate Jesus. Both had to flee to safety, and both were later told by an angel to return once the danger had passed. This parallel underscores that Jesus, like Moses, was destined to be a leader of God’s people, but in a new and more profound way.

Herod’s brutal actions, though not fully documented in historical records, align with what we know of his character, as described by the Jewish historian Josephus. Herod was ruthless and paranoid, willing to kill anyone he saw as a threat to his rule, including his own family. The massacre of the innocent children in Bethlehem would have been one of many cruel acts in his reign. The Church honors these children as martyrs, recognizing that their sacrifice, though silent and unrecognized in history, was a testimony to Christ. Their feast, placed so soon after Christmas, serves to remind us of the narrow escape of the Holy Family and the cost of Christ’s arrival in the world.

The first reading emphasizes the power of Christ’s blood, which reconciled humanity to God. Through His sacrifice, we are made children of the light, a light that dispels the darkness of sin. Christ is the light of the world, and as His followers, we are called to live in His light, shining that light into the darkness around us.

Dear friends, as we celebrate the feast of the Holy Innocents, we are reminded of our own calling to remain in the light of Christ. The blood of the innocent children serves as a powerful witness to the truth of Christ’s mission. We too are called to be witnesses of the light, to overcome the darkness of sin in our own lives, and to ensure that no part of us remains in shadow. Let us examine our lives and address those areas where darkness might try to creep in.

May God grant us the strength to be true children of the light, overcoming the darkness within and around us, and remaining faithful witnesses to the light of Christ.