Article – Feast of the Holy Innocents

Christmas, like Easter, is celebrated for eight days. But the joy of the birth of Jesus is right away confronted with the violence of the death of the proto-martyr, St. Stephen, celebrated on December 26th. Two days later comes the Feast of the Holy Innocents. This commemorates the killing of the male children in Bethlehem by the cruel tyrant, King Herod the Great. He was envious and fearful that the newborn Messiah would usurp his power. The church considers these innocent victims to be martyrs because they died from a direct attack on the Savior Himself.

Senseless violence is sadly more and more common in our own time. Mass shootings have become frequent to the point where we are no longer shocked by them. There are calls for stricter gun laws and funds for mental health programs. These efforts certainly have their place, but we should recognize a much deeper conflict going on. In chapter twelve of the Book of Revelation, we read about the dragon who waits to devour the child of the woman, and who has come down to earth to make war on her other offspring.

Jesus tells us that the devil is the father of lies and a murderer from the beginning. (Jn 8:44) He put it into Judas’ heart to betray Our Lord. (Jn 13: 2) Throughout history infanticide and abortion have been ever present evils. Today there are around 2,000 surgical abortions per day in the United States, some occurring right across the Merrimack River in the Riverwalk Mill building.

Thinking of these sad realities can rob us of our Christmas joy, but it it’s the sacred liturgy itself that brings them to mind. This world remains a valley of tears until the Lord comes again in glory. But His victory over the devil, sin and death gives us hope, joy and peace despite the cross. May the Holy Mother of God help us to find our happiness in her Son, and to fight the good fight against the principalities and powers that seek to destroy all that is good.

God bless you.

–Fr. Peter