Feast of the Holy Innocents

“A voice was heard in Ramah, weeping and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children; she refused to be comforted because they are no more” (Mat. 2:18). There is something emotionally wrenching about this feast. The tinsel and lights, feasting and gift-giving, carols and well-wishing countered-balanced by “Rachel weeping” jars my sensitivity. The massacre of the innocent children in Bethlehem is a stark reminder that the world hasn’t changed. Abortion is treated as a reproductive right. Children are deprived of their innocence because of sexual abuse and pornography. More children than we would like to admit are chronically homeless and go to bed hungry. God joins his sobs to those of Rachel. “Let me weep bitterly. Do not try to console me over the destruction of my dear ones” (Is. 22:4). Jesus said he does what he sees his Father do, and Saint Luke wrote, “As Jesus approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it” (Lk. 19:41).

Surely, He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows to restore Hope—the Hope that cannot and will not disappoint. The time has come for us to dry our eyes and walk as children of the light. When the Light of the World was born in Bethlehem, he made the hunger and homelessness of the poor his own. When he fled to Egypt, the infant savior became a companion of all victims of a sinful and vicious society. Having been the fruit of Mary’s virginal womb, he presents all unwanted babies to his heavenly father as his brothers and sisters (CF. Is.8:18). Even in our darkest moments, Christ’s light shines brightly. We are called to be a light of hope to all we meet because God, who said let the light shine in darkness, is with us.

“God walks into your soul with a silent step. God comes to you more than you go to Him. Never will his coming be what you expect, and yet never will it disappoint. The more you respond to his gentle pressure, the greater will be your freedom” (Fulton Sheen).