Today’s gospel quickly takes from the joy we experienced as we celebrated the nativity of Jesus to the reality of his humanity.

This is the one of the first times we see that Jesus is not spared from the human experience, nor are his parents. I cannot think of anything more terrifying than feeling that one’s child is in danger and trying to determine how to best protect that child.  In this situation the powerful king is the one calling for the murder of all baby boys.  How do simple people like Mary and Joseph protect their beloved baby boy?

Sadly, this is an experience of many around the globe today.  Children of all genders are at risk of all sorts of dangers.  What can we do to offer protection to our children?

Simply, be aware of critical issues, determine which issues you feel most strongly about and find ways to act to support measures that offer protection for our children.  Above all, pray.

Today is the Feast of the Holy Innocents. The Holy Innocents are the patrons of small children. They are said to have saved the Christ Child from death by King Herod by shedding their own blood.

Let us ask the Holy Innocents and deceased children for their intercession for our own children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, neighbors, and for all children who are growing up in this wicked world of ours. Let us pray for those who hate, those who experience violence, and parents who have lost children Let us pray for those who feel helpless.  The youngest among us need all the grace and assistance they can get to retain and grow in the faith. Let us lend them a helping hand and invite the deceased children to lend a hand, as well.

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.