The Feast of Holy Innocent

Today the Church commemorates the Holy Innocents, the children killed by King Herod in his attempt to destroy Jesus, the newborn King. Though evil sought to frustrate God’s saving plan, God protected the child Jesus by guiding Joseph and Mary to safety in Egypt. In becoming a refugee, Jesus identifies with the vulnerable and becomes a refuge for all who suffer.

The Holy Innocents remind us of innocent lives lost through violence, war, neglect, and lack of care. Every life is precious, and no ambition is worth the shedding of human blood. As we remember these children, we pray for comfort for grieving families and for hearts that uphold the dignity of every human life.

Through obedience to God’s voice, Joseph and Mary found safety for their child. May we too learn to discern and obey God’s guidance in our journey of faith knowing when to move, when to be still and when to act. Amen!