SUFFER THE LITTLE CHILDREN
When
we should be rejoicing over the birth of a baby, we are reminded of the
killing of so many innocent children under the reign of Herod. The
story is violent, unjust and fatal for the parents and children. See the
extent of jealousy, revenge and hatred when it raises its ugly head —
to the point of killing innocent ones. Of course this is not new for us
in the modern world. Every day, we hear of violence suffered by the
innocent. We can rejoice that the child in the manger is the One who
comes to redeem all people, young and old. He is Savior, Prince of
Peace, and Redeemer of mankind.
I
heard it once said that Christmas is for children. There is an element
of truth here. Children are the Lord’s precious gift. The child Jesus
warms our hearts as any child does. Everything is new, fresh, exciting
and adventurous for the newborn. It is no wonder that when we hear the
story of today’s Gospel, we feel a sense of anger and vengeance rising
within. Children should be respected and given full dignity. But there
are those who strip the children of their dignity. Child labor, child
prostitution, sex slaves and other forms of abuse we rather not talk
about are rampant. Satan is having his field day with all that is
happening in the
modern world. We need to make a stand in the name of the Holy Innocents.
My
heart goes out to those who have lost small children. What do you say
to parents who come to you seeking a blessing for their stillborn child?
How do you console a parent who arrives at the hospital to find out
that the baby just died? How do you make it reasonable when a child only
a few days or a month old is taken from their sight? These are real
experiences we may have encountered. I have and I do not know how to
respond. The commemoration fo the Holy Innocents gives an answer to
this. While Rachel weeps for her children and refuse to be comforted,
like the parent coming to grip with the child, the Holy Innocents speak
loud and clear. Their lives
have been short but they will be forever in the embrace of the Holy
Child who loves them and has given His life for them. Fr. Brian Steele, MGL
REFLECTION QUESTION: Let us take some time to pray for the children, living or dead.
Jesus,
You are the Innocent One who has taken away our suffering. Lighten the
burden of those who suffer for the little children. Amen.
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