Feast of the Holy Innocents—celebrated Dec. 28
“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 (Jer 31:15):
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” (Matthew 2:16-18).
The Feast of the Holy Innocents is celebrated today, three days after Christmas in honor of the children King Herod had killed in an effort to destroy baby Jesus.
Since he learned from the magi (whom we refer to as the ‘three Wisemen’) that the babe was to become the king of the Jews, Herod ordered this treacherous act to try to preserve his own kingship.
Is this not the same reason so many babies are aborted—to preserve one’s reputation or plans for education and careers?
The murders of the children in Bethlem 2,000 years ago and the murders of millions of unborn babies today happen out of selfishness for one’s own desires.
Because the Bethlehem children were killed out of hatred of Jesus, these children are considered martyrs—witnesses to Jesus. Martyrs for Jesus are named saints in the Catholic Church and are now in Heaven.
Let us hope that all infants killed by way of abortion are also in heaven since they too are Holy Innocents and were murdered against Christ’s teachings of truth, love and self-giving sacrifice.
These saints can also intercede (pray) for us and especially for those who have had abortions. They want those who have had an abortion to find healing and comfort in the forgiving heart of Jesus.
For those who regret having an abortion, were forced to have one, or for men whose girlfriends or wives had an abortion, go to www.raphaelsrefuge.org and www.rachelsvineyard.org to find comfort, forgiveness, and healing.
Twitter @celovebrewer
