Holy Innocents
As a child I recall seeing this picture of the massacre of the Holy Innocents while scanning the pages of our family Bible. I clearly remember the shock of seeing babies killed in such a brutal fashion and the revulsion I felt knowing how inhumane the scene was that I had happened upon.
Every time I reflect upon the story it makes me wonder how Herod could have become so attached to his own power that he would be willing to have children slaughtered in order to protect it. History tells us that he had many people killed during his time of power, including members of his own family. The tomb that was recently discovered that archaeologists believe to have been his was smashed to pieces by people of the time. He was not a beloved ruler to say the least. But the killing of innocents just seems to be outside of what one would expect from even the most wicked person.
Yet, when I think about the killing of innocents in order to cling to power, and fleeting power at that, it doesn’t take too long to find a similar situation in our culture today. Every day thousands of innocents lose their lives in abortion clinics throughout our country. There are people who have the ability to change this, but for many it might cost them their office and with it the power it brings. Most of us have not been given the power to enact laws, but we do have the ability to stand up for the innocent who do not have a voice yet of their own. We also have the power of prayer. On this feast of the Holy Innocents, I hope that all who believe in the holiness of life will be united in prayer and support for children everywhere and for their parents and families.
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