The Holy Innocents: Remembering the First Martyrs for Christ
The Feast of the Holy Innocents is a Christian celebration that commemorates the massacre of young children in Bethlehem by King Herod the Great, who was trying to kill the infant Jesus. According to the Gospel of Matthew, Herod ordered the execution of all boys who were two years old and under, based on the information he had received from the Magi. The Church honors these innocent victims as the first martyrs who shed their blood for Christ.
The feast is observed by Western churches on December 28 and by Eastern churches on December 29. It is a day of fasting and mourning, but also of hope and restoration. The Holy Innocents remind us of the value and sanctity of every human life, especially the most vulnerable and defenseless. They also inspire us to stand up for our faith and to protect those who are persecuted for their beliefs.
There are many ways that we can honor the Holy Innocents and help prevent the slaughter of innocent children today. Some of them are:
- Praying for an end to abortion, infanticide, child abuse, human trafficking, and all forms of violence against children.
- Supporting pro-life organizations that provide assistance to pregnant women, adoptive families, and orphanages.
- Educating ourselves and others about the dignity of human life from conception to natural death.
- Participating in peaceful protests, vigils, and campaigns that advocate for the rights of the unborn and the born.
- Donating to charities that offer humanitarian aid, medical care, education, and spiritual support to children in need.
- Fostering a culture of life and love in our families, communities, and society.
The Holy Innocents are a powerful example of how God can bring good out of evil. Their death was not in vain, but became a witness to the glory of Christ and his kingdom. Let us pray that through their intercession, we may become faithful disciples of Jesus and defenders of life.
