The
Cry of Innocence
In the world we live in, stories of great darkness and
unimaginable suffering often intersect with moments of courage and light. One
such story is depicted in the recent film Sound of Freedom, (American
thriller, directed by Alejandro Monteverde, Jim Caviezel as Tim Ballard) which
exposes the harrowing reality of child trafficking and the brave efforts of a
few to rescue innocent lives. It is a modern-day reminder of how the most
vulnerable, our children, can fall prey to the cruelty of others, yet also of
the profound hope and courage it takes to confront such evil.
The Gospel we hear today, recounting the massacre of
the Holy Innocents by King Herod, resonates deeply with this theme. Herod’s
ruthless jealousy and hunger for power led to the tragic slaughter of countless
innocent children. Yet, even in the midst of this darkness, God’s providence
ensured the survival of His Son, the Light of the World. Like the courageous
figures in Sound of Freedom, we are called to reflect on our own role in
standing against the darkness and becoming bearers of God’s light.
God’s Light Shines in the Darkness:
Today’s readings call us to reflect deeply on the
tension between the joy of Christmas and the reality of darkness that still
exists in our world. The first reading from 1 John reminds us: “God is
light, and in Him, there is no darkness at all” (1 John 1:5). John’s
epistle reminds us of the nature of God as pure light, a light that dispels all
darkness. Through the birth of Jesus, this divine light entered the world to
guide us, redeem us, and lead us out of sin and despair. Yet, we are called
to recognize that darkness still exists, not because of God’s absence, but
because humanity sometimes chooses the shadows of sin over the brilliance of
His light.
At Christmas, the light of the star led the Magi to the
Christ Child, symbolizing that those who seek the truth will always find the
light. Similarly, we are called to walk in that light, confess our sins, and
trust in the mercy of Christ, who is our advocate with the Father (1 John 2:1).
The Shadows of the World
The story of the massacre of the Holy Innocents in
Matthew’s Gospel is one of the darkest chapters in the Nativity narrative. It
reminds us that even as the Savior entered the world, evil sought to snuff out
His light. Herod’s cruelty mirrors the reality of sin and suffering that
persists in our lives, war, injustice, persecution, and the loss of innocent
lives.
Yet, amidst this darkness, God’s providence shines.
Joseph’s obedience to God’s command to flee to Egypt with Mary and Jesus
ensured the survival of the Savior. We need more of Josephs in our world today,
those capable of listening to God’s voice and acting upon His message to save
lives. This flight to Egypt also fulfills the prophecy: “Out of Egypt I
called my Son” (Hosea 11:1). God’s plan prevails even when the forces of
evil rise against it. For us, this is a message of hope: no matter how deep
the shadows, God’s light is always victorious.
Our Response to the Light
As Christians celebrating Christmas, we are reminded
that we, too, are called to walk in the light and be bearers of that light in a
dark world. The Holy Innocents, though victims of Herod’s cruelty, are
remembered as martyrs who point us to the reality that the Kingdom of God
demands sacrifices. Their deaths echo the sacrifices many Christians continue
to make for their faith, love, and justice.
The call for us today is
twofold:
Embrace God’s Light: Allow Christ’s light to
transform your heart. Confess your sins, as John encourages, and live in
fellowship with God and one another.
Be Light for Others: In a world marked by
darkness, be it through loneliness, oppression, or sin, be a beacon of hope.
Like Joseph, be obedient to God’s call, even when it requires courage and
sacrifice.
Christmas is Hope Amidst Suffering
The joy of Christmas does not deny the existence of
suffering but rather reminds us that God entered into our suffering to redeem
it. Christ, the Light of the World, continues to shine, offering forgiveness,
love, and eternal life to all who follow Him.
As we celebrate the Nativity, let us not only rejoice
in the gift of Jesus but also commit ourselves to be His light in the world.
May we, like the Holy Innocents, bear witness to God’s Kingdom, trusting that
His light will always overcome the darkness.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, You are the Light of the World. Help us to walk in Your light, even
when the shadows of life threaten to overwhelm us. Give us the courage to be
bearers of Your light, bringing hope and love to all we encounter. May God
listen to the cries of all innocent lives being killed in various circumstances
all over the world today, Amen. 🙏🙏🙏
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The joy of Christmas does not deny the existence of suffering but rather reminds us that God entered into our suffering to redeem it. Christ, the Light of the World, continues to shine, offering forgiveness, love, and eternal life to all who follow Him.
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