Today marked the Feast of Holy Innocents, a day dedicated to remembering the massacre of young children ordered by King Herod in an attempt to eliminate the newborn threat to his reign. While some may question the historical accuracy of this event, the significance lies in its symbolic reminder of the vulnerability of the innocent.
Bethlehem’s small size suggests that the number of children killed may have been small, perhaps in the 20s. Making it an event which is small compared to other heinous acts committed by Herod, this event is a reminder of God’s concern for the suffering of children.
We are reminded that to God, any little one who suffers it is like it is done to himself. Although earthly justice may evade perpetrators due to free will, Jesus tells us the consequences of harming children. He explicitly states that it would be better for someone to tie A millstone around their neck and throw themselves into a lake than to cause a child to stumble. Children hold a special place in God’s heart.
As we mark the Feast of Holy Innocents, one meaningful way to observe this day is by blessing our children, taking a moment to thank God for them and seeking God’s protection over their lives. It is also an invitation to extend that blessing and prayer to children worldwide.
Let us mark this day by reflecting on the importance of children in God’s eyes. This act, I believe, is an invitation to us to bless and pray for children everywhere. Remember children today who suffer in the Holy Land in fear of life and numb to destruction, in forgotten places and in our own country where they are victims of abuse and poverty.
May the Feast of Holy Innocents serve as a reminder that, in the eyes of God, every child is precious, and our responsibility to protect and care for them extends beyond our immediate circles. Today, let us unite in prayer, seeking God’s mercy and grace for all children and working towards a world where innocence is cherished and protected.
Image above is modern day Bethlehem.