Homily Feast of the Holy Innocents
Homily Feast of the Holy Innocents
We have many religious questions that we debate about in the church. For instance, we debate about when the church started. Some people would say the church started when Jesus was born. Others would say that the church began at Cana when Jesus began his ministry. Still others would say that the church started at Pentecost when the Holy Spirit descended upon the Apostles.
Another debate we have is about who the first martyr was of the church. Many Biblical scholars would say the first martyr was Stephen who feast we celebrated the day after Christmas. But long before Stephen was martyred the holy innocents were.
We recall today how King Herod killed every boy under the age of two in Bethlehem. He did this because he was afraid of Jesus. He was scared that a new king had come to replace him. He was like most despots in that he was unwilling to give up power. Herod thought if he killed all the boys under two in Bethlehem, where Jesus was born, he would end the threat to his thrown.
Martyrdom is about dying for Christ. The question is do you have to be aware that you are dying for Jesus in order to be a martyr. We might say that the children who were put to the sword in Bethlehem were collateral damage. They were in the wrong place at the wrong time, victims of circumstance. But does that make their deaths any less important.
The Holy Innocents died in place of Jesus or they died for Jesus. Their deaths protected Jesus’ life. Certainly, they were martyrs even though they did not “know” Jesus.
We remember today that there are still many innocent people dying throughout the world. They are victims of war, government neglect and indifference. They are the “holy innocents” of today.
Reflection Questions:
- Does one have to have chosen to follow Christ to be a martyr for Christ? Why or why not?
- Who are the innocent victims who are dying in 2020? Could they be the COVID patients who are waiting for care?
Dear Parishioners,
This Friday is the Feast of the solemnity of Mary. This is normally a holy day of obligation. Because of COVID this year it is not. It is still appropriate to come to Mass or watch online and pray for the welfare of our world. Throughout the centuries believes have turned to Mary in times of need asking for her protection. This year it would be most appropriate to pray that the COVID vaccines would bring healing to our world.
Some have asked whether it is moral to take the vaccines. The American Catholic bishops have said that it is. The question was raised as to whether the stem cells that were used in some of the vaccines were from aborted fetuses, but Catholic ethicists have said that the stem cells in question are not an issue.
We are fortunate to have the vaccines. Hopefully, many of us can take advantage of these treatments.
May Our Lady and all the angels and saints watch over you.
Fr. Mark