Feast of the Holy Innocents
Homily: Feast of the Holy Innocents (Mt. 2:13-18) “No One is Expendable”
When we read the gospel today about the slaughter of the infant boys of Bethlehem, we cannot help but remember the story of the birth of Moses at the beginning of the Book of Exodus. Pharoah wanted to limit the population of the Israelites who were enslaved in Egypt, so he ordered that all the male children be put to the sword.
The story we read from the Gospel of Matthew sounds like the same tale all over again. King Herod is threatened by the thought too of a new King in Israel. He hears that the Messiah was born in Bethlehem, so he orders all the infant boys there to be put to death. In neither case did the plan of the despotic rulers work out the way they planned. God had another idea. But we do have the reality of history repeating itself. Human life is treated as unimportant when it comes to those wanting to preserve their favored place.
This storyline has been repeated in human history to this day. We can remember the story of the Holocaust as only one example among man in modern history. Hitler decided to wipe men, women and children who were Jews, homosexuals, gypsies, ordained clergy, people of Eastern European ethnic groups, and the mentally and physically handicapped among others because they were consuming valuable resources that were needed by the chosen.
We can remember all those migrants around the world who move from place to place trying only to find safety and the necessities of life. Many drown at sea or from exposure. The predominate question often seems like how we can keep them out of our country rather than how might we help the innocent?
Many would point to the unborn as another class of people that seems expendable. Is a baby more of a nuisance that a human life? The bigger picture is transformed to a very personal question.
Whenever human lives become expendable so that the comfortable will not be inconvenienced, we have a repeat of the story of the Holy innocents. All humans are made in the image and likeness of God and therefore are sacred. That truth took flesh with the coming of the child Jesus.
Reflection Questions:
- Is my heart hardened against any group or class of people? Who might it be?
- Do I see the story of the Holy Innocents being repeated in any way in the world today? Where is that happening?
Dear Parishioners,
Christmas did not end on December 25th. There are two weeks of Christmas Masses this year. On Saturday we will be celebrating the Feast of the Solemnity of Mary. On Sunday we will be commemorating the Feast of the Epiphany. Why not come to Mass an extra day during Christmas Season. We should never let go of Christmas too fast. We need to savor it like we do a good holiday wine.
We try to keep a robust parish schedule of Liturgies at this time of year. I feel that is important during these Holy Days. Fortunately, we have two priests so we can take turns getting away. If someone is looking for daily Mass, please let them know that Sacred Heart is providing that service.
May Our Lady and all the Angels and Saints watch over you.
Fr. Mark