GOD’S WORD FOR THE DAY (based on Catholic Liturgical Readings)
DATE: MONDAY, 28TH DECEMBER 2016
FEAST OF THE HOLY INNOCENTS, MARTYRS
1ST READING: 1John 1:5 – 2:2
PSALM: Psalm 124:2-5, 7-8
GOSPEL: Matthew 2:13-18
THEME: THE HOLY INNOCENTS
Although there appears to be no extra biblical historical information to corroborate Matthew’s account of Herod’s massacre of children in Bethlehem and its vicinity, there are pieces of historical information that support the view that Herod the Great was a man who had a deep thirst for blood and was thus capable of carrying out a murderous scheme of this kind. For example, there is an available extra biblical information that Herod the Great was so ruthless in safeguarding his kingship that he killed his brother-in-law by throwing him into water (drowning) in 35BCE.
Herod the Great knew very well that he was not the legitimate ruler of Israel and this awareness must have degenerated into a deep feeling of insecurity.
Reflecting on today’s Gospel text, against the backdrop of today’ first reading, one can clearly see the contrast between light and darkness. Herod symbolizes what darkness is and the little children, innocent as they are, symbolize light. We call these little ones who died martyrs because they died on account of Christ.
Darkness has always sought to supplant light but it has never been able to do so. Yes there are moments when darkness seems to have the upper hand, but darkness in contrast to light, only makes light brighter.
When good people do not let their light shine, evil minded people, like Herod, would let their darkness envelope the world. The season of Christmas thus offers us the opportunity to spread the light of goodness all over the world and thereby chase darkness away.
As we celebrate the feast of Holy Innocents, let us remember all those who are suffering through no fault of theirs that uniting their sufferings with that of Christ they may shine out as bright stars giving hope to a world so badly in need of hope.
Prayer: Eternal Father, make me a light for the world and use me to establish your kingdom firmly on earth. Amen
Andrews Obeng, svd
DIVINE WORD MISSIONARIES
BIBLICAL PASTORAL MINISTRY
(Ghana Province)
“May the darkness of sin and the night of unbelief vanish before the light of the Word and the Spirit of grace. And may the heart of Jesus live in the hearts of all people” (St. Arnold Janssen).