Herod is going to search for the child to destroy him

“When the magi had departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, ‘Rise, take the child and his mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I tell you. Herod is going to search for the child to destroy him.’” (MT 2: 13)

Today we celebrate the Feast of the Holy Innocents. Herod’s plan was “to search for the child to destroy him” because he was afraid of Him. Joseph took Jesus away and saved Him, so Herod “became furious. He ordered the massacre of all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity two years old and under.” The only reason they were killed was likeness to Jesus by age. Today we pray for all innocents, especially the unborn, who are in danger for similar reasons—parents are afraid of them. St. Joseph will show us how to “take the child and his mother” and protect them.

“We praise you, O God, we acclaim you as Lord; the white robed army of martyrs praise you.” (Gospel Acclamation)