Feast of the Holy Innocents, Martyrs

Today is the Feast of the Holy Innocents. The Feast commemorates the massacre of the infant boys, "from two years old and under," by the jealous and insecure King Herod, who heard about the born king. The innocent victims were the flowers and first fruits of the Savior's legions of martyrs. They triumphed over the world without ever knowing it or experiencing its dangers.

We must think of the millions of children who suffer all forms of violence and neglect that threaten their lives, preventing them from receiving adequate nourishment, health care, and proper education on this feast day. Most importantly, the children murdered under the guise of laws permitting abortion, an abominable corruption that is a slaughter of the innocents.

Friends, children occupy an extraordinary place in the heart of Jesus. When His disciples were shooing them away, He did the opposite and had the children come to Him so he could embrace them. According to Matthew 18: 3-6, Jesus tells His disciples, "Unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever receives one child such as this in my name receives me. Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea."

Today in the Gospel of Saint Matthew, we remember Herod and his horrible command. The Church asks us to recall those Holy Innocents and all of the martyrs who died in the name of Jesus Christ. God asks us to remember His love for every one of us as we protect the children of our world now and in the future.

Question of the Day: How will you advocate for those who have no voice themselves?

Prayer: "We praise You, O God, we acclaim You as Lord; the white-robed army of martyrs praise you. Alleluia, alleluia."