Fr. Scott Haynes
A Meditation for December 28: The Feast of the Holy Innocents
The Feast of the Holy Innocents, celebrated on December 28, holds a poignant place in the liturgical calendar. These young martyrs, slain by King Herod in his attempt to extinguish the newborn King, stand as witnesses to Christ in their innocence and suffering. Their feast invites traditional Catholics to meditate on themes of sacrifice, innocence, and the triumph of Christ's redemptive mission, even amid human cruelty.
The story of the Holy Innocents is recounted in Matthew 2:16-18:
"Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, was in a furious rage, and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had ascertained from the wise men."
Herod’s action fulfilled the prophecy of Jeremiah:
"A voice was heard in Ramah, weeping and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children; she refused to be comforted, because they are no more" (Jeremiah 31:15; Matthew 2:18).
Innocence United to the Cross
The Holy Innocents are honored as martyrs, even though they did not consciously choose to die for Christ. St. Augustine explains that their deaths were a unique testimony to Christ's identity as the Messiah:
"They died not only for Christ, but in His place" (Sermon 10 on the Innocents).
St. Jerome, a Father and Doctor of the Church, emphasizes their purity and the profound mystery of their martyrdom:
"The Holy Innocents gave their blood for Him who would later shed His blood for the redemption of the world. In their deaths, they became the first-fruits of martyrdom" (Epistle to Eustochium).
Their sacrifice exemplifies the Christian belief that all suffering, united to Christ, gains redemptive value. Pope Benedict XVI echoed this truth when he said:
"In the Holy Innocents, we see a foreshadowing of the cross. Their witness reminds us that every innocent victim participates in the mystery of Christ’s suffering and redemption" (Homily, December 28, 2008).
A Fulfillment of Prophecy
Alfred Edersheim, in his monumental work The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah, provides a historical and theological perspective on the massacre. He notes that Herod’s cruelty was consistent with his character and political paranoia. Yet, beneath Herod's brutality, divine providence was at work. Edersheim writes:
"In their innocent deaths, the Holy Innocents became a testimony to the fulfillment of messianic prophecy. Herod’s actions, though driven by malice, unwittingly pointed to the identity of Jesus as the promised Savior" (The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah, Book II, Chapter 8).
Edersheim also highlights the theological paradox of Herod’s massacre. While it sought to destroy the Christ Child, it ultimately affirmed the prophecies of the Old Testament, which pointed to Christ’s suffering as integral to His mission.
The Innocents as a Challenge to the Faithful
St. Gregory the Great sees in the Holy Innocents a profound challenge to Christians:
"What excuse shall we have if we cannot give our lives to Him who offered His for us, when these children, as yet unable to speak, died for Him?" (Homilia in Evangelia, Book I).
Their witness calls every Catholic to a deeper commitment to Christ, even in the face of suffering and persecution. Cardinal Giuseppe Bacci elaborates on this in his reflections on the feast:
"The blood of the Holy Innocents cries out to us, not in vengeance, but as a call to fidelity. Their silent witness speaks of the cost of discipleship and the urgency of proclaiming Christ in a world hostile to His truth" (Meditations on the Liturgical Year).
A Mother’s Sorrow and Consolation
The lamentation of Rachel weeping for her children, as cited in Matthew 2:18, captures the grief of mothers who lost their sons in Herod’s massacre. Yet, this sorrow is not without hope.
Pope Benedict XVI, reflecting on the prophecy of Jeremiah, offers words of consolation:
"The cry of Rachel is not the end of the story. In Christ, every loss finds its meaning, and every sorrow is transformed into joy. The Holy Innocents, though taken from this world, now reign with Christ in glory" (Angelus Address, December 28, 2007).
The Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of the Christ Child, also shares in this sorrow. Traditional Catholic devotion often reflects on how Mary’s heart must have been pierced by the knowledge of the Holy Innocents’ suffering, prefiguring her own sorrows at the foot of the cross.
Spiritual Lessons for Traditional Catholics
The Feast of the Holy Innocents offers several spiritual lessons:
1. The Value of Innocence: Their lives remind us of the sacredness of every child and the call to protect life at all stages. In an age that devalues life, their martyrdom is a clarion call for Catholics to defend the unborn and vulnerable.
2. Suffering and Redemption: The Holy Innocents teach that suffering, when united to Christ, becomes a path to sanctity. Cardinal Bacci writes:
"The world may see their deaths as tragic, but the Church sees them as triumphant. In their innocence, they bore witness to Christ and now share in His eternal victory" (Meditations on the Liturgical Year).
3. Courage in Persecution: St. Gregory’s challenge to imitate the Innocents reminds Catholics that fidelity to Christ often requires courage, even in the face of opposition.
4. The Role of Divine Providence: Edersheim’s insights on Herod’s actions remind us that God’s providence can bring good even out of evil. This is a consoling truth for Catholics facing trials.
Liturgical and Devotional Practices
The Church honors the Holy Innocents with a joyful liturgical celebration, reflecting their share in the heavenly glory. Traditional Catholics may find inspiration in the following devotions:
• Attend Mass on their feast day, uniting prayers for the protection of children and the sanctification of families.
• The Holy Innocents are powerful intercessors for the pro-life movement.
• Reflect on their lives as a preparation for one’s own spiritual battle against sin and temptation.
Pope Benedict XVI encourages parents to use this feast as an opportunity to teach children about the sanctity of life and the importance of witnessing to Christ:
"May families take inspiration from the Holy Innocents to educate their children in the ways of faith, teaching them to value purity, sacrifice, and the joy of belonging to Christ" (Angelus Address, December 28, 2008).
A Heavenly Witness
The Holy Innocents remind us that holiness is not measured by accomplishments but by one’s union with Christ. St. Augustine beautifully articulates their heavenly glory:
"Though they could neither speak nor act for Christ, they died for Him. The very act of dying made them His witnesses" (Sermon 10 on the Innocents).
This feast is a profound reminder that Christ’s kingdom is not of this world. In the paradox of their deaths, the Holy Innocents proclaim the truth of the Gospel: that life is victorious over death, and Christ reigns as King, even in the midst of suffering.
Conclusion
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