It is 28th December 2017. We celebrate the Feast of the Holy Innocents, the first Martyrs for Jesus. Today’s celebration is the memory of the male children whom King Herod murdered them as he had attempted to kill the infant Christ. The entrance Antiphon hails, “The innocents were slaughtered as infants for Christ; spotless, they follow the Lamb and sing for ever: Glory to you, O Lord.” The silent and profound confessions and proclamation of these innocents are so much seen in our societies across the world even today. The tears of these young and innocent’s children are heard in our churches, the communities and in our nations. The personification of Herod is seen when an innocent child is abused just because it is so vulnerable. Even God would hesitate to forgive the sins committed against the innocent children of the world. How could a society or a church be silent when a systematically evil war is waged against these children? Whenever our laws and policies have protected the perpetrated, it denies the right of child to be a child as a child. It is not a simple sporadic or infringement, but it is criminal and potentially violent to destroy the happiness of the child at a tender age. There are so many children are crying so silently at the backyard of our churches, the communities and in our families. As we have excellent policies in place, may we protect all children with our strength, will and power. Protecting a vulnerable and innocent child is protecting the innocent Christ himself. Abusing any child is the abuse against the infant Christ and His values that must be punished by the law and the people of God. The society, the Church and the community at large must deprive all benefits to those who abuse children; whoever they are and whatever the social status or power they hold. God is in tears when a child is abused verbally, emotionally, materially and physically. Even if one escapes the punishment of the world, he or she will never escape the enormous punishment from the Most High God. Therefore, let us not be silent spectators when the atrocities are unleashed against the little ones of our society. Let us voice out and take a clear stand for these little ones. The readings are from 1 John 1:5-2:2; and the Gospel from Matthew 2:13-18. The first reading invites us to live as children of the light. We must not continue to live in darkness. We need to be swift in returning to the Lord. No one can boast of sinless lives because everyone of us have sinned in one way or another. We must return to the Lord without boasting or pride. “Jesus is expiation for our sins, and not for our sins only but for those of the whole world.” (1 Jn.2:2). The responsorial Psalm intercedes, “Our soul has been rescued like a bird from the fowler’s snare.” (Ps.124:7). The Gospel narrates the massacre of all boys in Bethlehem and the flight of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph into Egypt. Blood of the little ones crying heard continuously and so loudly in the presence of God even today. “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.” (Mt.2:18). Lord, help us profess our faith in speech and in action by being the voice of the voiceless little in our society. The Holy Innocents are still standing firmly for truth and justice even when they did not know they are going to be murdered by the evil people. May God continue to protect our children through our personal efforts. May you have a good day.

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