Daily Catholic Lectio. Sat, 28 December ’24. Rescued like a bird!

Daily Catholic Lectio

Sat, 28 December ‘24

Feast of the Holy Innocents

1 John 1:5–2:2. Matthew 2:13–18

Rescued Like a Bird

On this Feast of the Holy Innocents, the Gospel of Matthew recounts the tragic massacre of the innocent children of Bethlehem. Enraged by the perceived threat of the newborn Messiah, Herod ordered the killing of all male children aged two and under in Bethlehem and its vicinity.

Reflecting on this event, I recall a question posed by a catechism student: “Father, why didn’t God save all the children that night?” Similar questions often arise: “Why weren’t all fathers warned to flee?” “Why did many children have to die to protect one?” “Can the end justify the means?”

Herod, often called “Great” for rebuilding the Jerusalem Temple and providing water during famine, was also notorious for his insatiable hunger for power, even to the extent of killing his own sons. His ruthless actions culminated in this horrifying event, which the historian Josephus Flavius does not record, possibly because it involved relatively few children by historical standards. Catholic tradition suggests the number of victims may have been six to twenty, while Greek tradition speaks of fourteen thousand, and the Coptic tradition mentions one hundred forty-four thousand—symbolic numbers that highlight the event’s profound meaning rather than exact count.

This narrative, both literary and theological, draws parallels with other Biblical stories. Like Moses, who escaped Pharaoh’s decree (Exodus 2:1–10), and Jotham, who survived Gideon’s massacre (Judges 9:3–6), Jesus is the lone survivor destined to lead and save His people. Matthew frames this tragedy as a fulfilment of Hosea (11:1) and Jeremiah (31:15), linking it to Christ’s passion and His rejection by the Jews and acceptance by the Gentiles.

Understanding the Feast

(a) The reality of suffering: The story reminds us of the cruelty and injustice that plague our world, past and present. The Holy Innocents bear witness to this harsh reality.

(b) Herod’s fear: Herod’s insecurity drove him to unspeakable violence. His actions remind us that human power is limited and fleeting, yet often wielded with tragic consequences.

(c) The light of Christ: Despite Herod’s attempts, the light of Christ could not be extinguished. In the face of violence, the hope and radiance of Christ endure.

(d) Honouring the Holy Innocents: The Holy Innocents symbolize all victims of violence and injustice, especially the most vulnerable among us. Their sacrifice calls us to remember and honour their suffering.

(e) Responding to injustice: Their story urges us to confront and respond to injustice in our world. The powerless continue to suffer under unjust systems and oppressive powers. In every age, the innocent cry out for justice.

(f) Christ’s innocence and vulnerability: The Holy Family’s terror that night reflects Christ’s embrace of human vulnerability. In His Incarnation, Jesus entered our brokenness, sharing in our suffering and uncertainty.

A Cry That Resounds

Matthew compares this tragedy to the Babylonian exile, evoking Rachel’s weeping for her children (Jeremiah 31:15). Today, Rachel’s cry continues, echoing in every corner of the world where injustice prevails.

Yet, amidst sorrow, we find hope. In today’s responsorial psalm, we sing: “Broken was the snare, and we were freed. Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth” (Psalm 124).

May we, inspired by the Holy Innocents, remain steadfast in bringing light into the darkness, advocating for justice, and finding our refuge in the Lord who rescues us like a bird set free from the snare.

Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi

Archdiocese of Madurai

Missionary of Mercy