Feast of the Holy Innocents, Martyrs Matt 2, 13-18

The messenger of God speaks to Joseph in his time of doubt before receiving Mary in a blessed state. He similarly speaks to him and warns him against Herod. He could have spoken to Mary, but Joseph’s central paternal role was to be confirmed in this newly emerging family union, to protect and lead the family. God said to Joseph through an angel. Let us examine and be open to how the Lord most often speaks to us!

He got up, took the child and his mother by night, and went to Egypt.

The flight into Egypt took place under dramatic circumstances when there was no time to explain much, and yet we do not observe in Mary that she has any reservations about Joseph’s decision. Still, she cooperates with him and lets herself be guided by him. She knows that Joseph has considered his choices before God. If only we could accept the decisions and guidelines of our superiors in a similar atmosphere, especially so that we ourselves can consistently recognize God’s will for ourselves and for others.

Our lives, like Joseph’s, are integrated into God’s plans, and often, even ordinary, seemingly insignificant events have an important place and meaning. Estimating one event and overestimating another is inappropriate; each situation deserves special attention and appropriate responsibility. 

So, what the Lord said through the prophet might be fulfilled: “Out of Egypt I called my son.”

When Herod saw that the wise men had tricked him, he was furious and had all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity killed from two years old and under…

The deceitful Herod was tricked by those wiser than he. His weakness expresses his fear of power. And where there is weakness without trust in God, it turns into fear that has “big eyes.” Can a defenseless child threaten the ruler of the world? “What are you afraid of, Herod?” He who offers the kingdom of heaven does not seize the kingdom of earth! Herod’s fear and mind, darkened by the lust for power, produce senseless violence. The innocent girls of Bethlehem are similar to Jesus only in their age, and they are already in disgrace. But even this is enough to teach us that anyone who wants to be like Jesus will suffer. Children become martyrs. Those of today, martyred, unwanted in the world, are deprived of life for the lack of our martyrdom, for the lack of sacrifice.