Holy Innocents
Herod perceiving that he was deluded by the wise men, was exceeding angry; and sending killed all the male children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the borders thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently inquired of the wise men. Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet, saying: A voice in Rama was heard, lamentation and great mourning; Rachel bewailing her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not. (Matthew 2:16-18)
Today the Church celebrates this feast of the Holy Innocents. The day when Herod, out of fear that a new king had been born who would threaten his throne, had every child he could find murdered. Matthew’s Gospel tells us that Joseph saves Jesus by taking he and his mother Mary to Egypt.
The death of a child is a terrible thing to endure. During my time of ministry I have sat many times with the parents of a child who has died, trying to understand along with them, why their child has been taken away. There are no easy answers to give, no magic words or actions that will make the situation better. Only time and holding close to God and family seems to eventually bring acceptance and peace.
Let us pray today for those who have lost a child. May they be comforted in their sorrow.
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