It sometimes seems harsh to move within a few days from the celebration of the coming of the Christ-child to the slaughter of the innocents on this first Sunday after Christmas.
However, although the scriptures, and especially the gospel accounts are there to inspire and nurture our faith, they are also to guide us through the most difficult events in our lives. As we look at our world we are constantly reminded of the ‘slaughter of innocents’ whether in the misery of Gaza or Ukraine, to name just two places. And closer to home we know that many suffer on the streets of the Downtown East Side especially during the winter weather.
So why this reading today? Firstly, it is a reminder of the killing that Herod perpetuated around the birth of Jesus as he was threatened that a new leader might emerge from the Palestinian people to expose his power and position. Often it is those most insecure, like Herod, who visit damage and destruction on the those most vulnerable. Secondly it is to stand up against those who endanger the lives and welfare of others, especially those who are most at risk: the young and elderly, women, those of different ethnic backgrounds, colour or sexual orientations.
Although the Christian gospel exists to give us our faith, our faith should lead us to be there for others in our families, amongst our friends, in our neighbourhoods as well as across the world. Only when we seek to live our life as Jesus did, by being on the side of the poor and marginalized, can we really be faithful to the name we seek to bear.
So, as we continue to celebrate the feast of Christ, may we be reminded to stand up, as he did, for the most vulnerable in our society.
Father Stephen Rowe