Every person has a responsibility to avoid sin and do good, particularly for those who deserve special care and protection
Reflections on the readings for the Feast of the Holy Innocents (December 28, 2018): 1 JN:1:5 – 2:2; PS 124:2-3,4-5,7-8; MT 2:13-18
MISSIO offers “Mission In Scripture” to nurture a missionary heart, providing reflections on the missionary themes in the readings of Sundays, Feast Days and Holy Days.
Magi from the east went to see King Herod the Great of Judea as they followed the star.
They believed he would likely know where to find the infant they sought. They wanted to give him homage. They did not realize that Herod would resolve to assassinate this rival. Or that he would let his egotistical and vicious outlook to destroy the lives of babies whom he thought might be the newborn King of the Jews. The Holy Child escaped through the intervention of God the Father whose angel alerted Joseph in a dream to take Jesus and Mary to safety in Egypt where they lived as refugees for several years until the death of Herod.
Today we look back on the lives of those little ones who became martyrs, condemned by the dark and sinful nature of one man. It is a strong reminder that every person has an obligation to lead the life God calls us to live. “This is the message we have heard from Jesus Christ and proclaim to you: God is light, and in Him there is no darkness at all.… Jesus Christ is the righteous one. He is expiation for our sins, and not for our sins only but for those of the whole world” (1 John 1:5, 2:1-2). Each of us has decisions to make every day that may affect many more people than we think. It is up to us to be people of God, people of light, seeking the well being of all, especially those most vulnerable.
Suggested missionary action: Let us pray for all infants in their mothers’ wombs as well as all children and adults whose lives are in danger in any way.
