When the magi had departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I tell you. Herod is going to search for the child to destroy him.” Joseph rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed for Egypt. He stayed there until the death of Herod, that what the Lord had said through the prophet might be fulfilled, Out of Egypt I called my son.
When Herod realized that he had been deceived by the magi, he became furious. He ordered the massacre of all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity two-years-old and under, in accordance with the time he had ascertained from the magi. Then was fulfilled what had been said through Jeremiah the prophet: A voice was heard in Ramah, sobbing and loud lamentation; Rachel weeping for her children, and she would not be consoled, since they were no more.
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The Feast of the Holy Innocents makes us aware of the continuing dangers that infants and children are facing in today’s world. While they are the most harmless of creatures, babies and small children are the object of crime and violence.
The Son of God becomes a human being like us, even subjected to hatred and violence from the time Jesus is born. What a hostile and unwelcoming world awaits him! Just like many children and their families today, Jesus and his parents have to flee to safer Egypt. King Herod exemplifies sinful humanity who refuses to accept Jesus. He betrays his own supposed “mission” and task, that is, to take care of and protect those under his care. Power is no longer for good but for evil. Fortunately, for our times, although still leaving a lot to be desired, there is a growing consciousness of protecting and safeguarding children, minors, and vulnerable adults. If we do not protect our young, who will?
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SOURCE: “366 Days with the Lord 2020,” ST. PAULS, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; Fax 632-895-7328; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.
