The Holy Innocents

The Holy Innocents

The Story of the Holy Innocents

Herod “the Great,” king of Judea, was unpopular with his people because of his connections with the Romans and his religious indifference. Hence he was insecure and fearful of any threat to his throne. He was a master politician and a tyrant capable of extreme brutality. He killed his wife, his brother, and his sister’s two husbands, to name only a few.

Matthew 2:1-18 tells this story: Herod was “greatly troubled” when astrologers from the east came asking the whereabouts of “the newborn king of the Jews,” whose star they had seen. They were told that the Jewish Scriptures named Bethlehem as the place where the Messiah would be born. Herod cunningly told them to report back to him so that he could also “do him homage.” They found Jesus, offered him their gifts, and warned by an angel, avoided Herod on their way home. Jesus escaped to Egypt.

Herod became furious and “ordered the massacre of all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity two years old and under.” The horror of the massacre and the devastation of the mothers and fathers led Matthew to quote Jeremiah: “A voice was heard in Ramah, sobbing and loud lamentation; Rachel weeping for her children…” (Matthew 2:18). Rachel was the wife of Jacob (Israel).

Categories: 

More News

Immaculate Conception

December 3, 2024

Nine months before the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (8 September), the Church celebrates the Solemnity of her Immaculate Conception....Read more

International Day

November 26, 2024

On Sunday, 8th December, St. Gregory’s 9am Mass, will celebrate the richness of our diverse community. This Mass will have an international flavour, reflecting...Read more

Advent Retreat

November 19, 2024

Clifton Diocese in partnership with ‘Light of Truth’ are offering 3 sessions to prepare for Advent by reflecting from Scripture on the virtue of...Read more

  •  
  • 1 of 288