The Holy Innocents
Massacre of the Innocents by Peter Paul Rubens, 1611-1612
Mt 2:16-18 - Herod Kills the Children
What kind of spirit animates Herod’s Massacre of the Innocents?
In Jesus of Nazareth: The Infancy Narratives, Joseph Ratzinger juxtaposes the two kinds of responses (to Jesus) that we see between the Wise Men and Herod. Speaking of religion, he remarks:
“It can become the path to true knowledge, the path to Jesus Christ. But when it fails, in his presence, to open up to him and actually opposes the one God and Savior, it becomes demonic and destructive.”
—
In 2019 when the Illinois state legislature was concocting two radical pro-abortion bills, the children's choir of St. John Cantius Catholic Church in Chicago traveled to the state capital and sang A Hymn to the Holy Innocents in the rotunda of the capital building.
The video of their song in that link is a beautiful witness to life and hope.
Unfortunately the bills passed and are still in effect. What kind of spirit animates such a thing?
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places (Eph. 6:12).
Let’s pray for the mothers, fathers, and doctors who carry out our present day massacre of the innocents.
In peace,
Ted
Here’s What I’m Reading This Week
In Jesus of Nazareth: The Infancy Narratives, Joseph Ratzinger focuses on the Gospel accounts of Jesus’ life as a child. The root of these stories is the experience of hope found in the birth of Jesus and the affirmations of surrender and service embodied in his parents, Joseph and Mary. This is a story of longing and seeking...of sacrifice and trusting completely in the wisdom of God…Ultimately, Jesus’ life and message is a story for today, one that speaks to the restlessness of the human heart searching for the sole truth which alone leads to profound joy.
For more content, check out my Substack.
If this speaks to you, consider a paid membership.
If now isn’t the right time for a paid membership, I’d be grateful if you shared Into Deep Water with a friend who might find it meaningful. Thanks!
