On this fourth Day of Christmas the Church specifically remembers an incident recorded in the Gospel of Matthew in the birth narratives. Recall that the Wise Men visited Herod first, presumably because they figured he would have known about the new-born King of the Jews. Well, for various reasons, Herod was never very sure of his grip on the throne, and so he was naturally threatened and scared. Known by both biblical as well as extra-Biblical sources as a very cruel ruler, he promptly had all the baby boys in Bethlehem under two years old executed. Thus, the Slaughter of the Holy Innocents.The Collect for this Major Feast is, I think pretty direct:
We remember today, O God, the slaughter of the holy innocents of Bethlehem by King Herod. Receive, we pray, into the arms of your mercy all innocent victims; and by your great might frustrate the designs of evil tyrants and establish your rule of justice, love, and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
There is an excellent reflection on this day over at Thinking Anglicans. I commend it as better than what I might write.
RFSJ
6 comments:
But remember, this is Matthew's way of equating Herod with Pharoah, and Jesus with Moses. (Scholar's comment, for what it's worth [not much].)
Scott Hankins
Hi Scott,
I don't disagree. The parallels are clearly there. I'm more interested in the emphasis the Church has placed on the meaning of the story/legend/whatever (viz. the Collect), especially when modern Innocents like the people of Darfur (among countless others one could name) come to mind.
RFSJ
I know. It's apt. And I bless you (don't pay too much attention to me after 10 p.m. (s)).
Scott Hankins
Scott,
Thank you for visiting, and your kind words, and for your blessing! Come back often - I love comments. As I wrote, I'd have said more myself about the Day, but TA seemed to hit the nail on the head. I especially need to think for myself what *I* will do to honor the Innocents, even after today.
RFSJ
I, too was inspired by the TA piece. A wonderful reminder that God is at work outside our Christian community - and stretching wide his arms draws all unto himself.
Hi Davis,
Welcome! I'm intrigued by Holy Innocents because it's one of the few events outside the life of Jesus commemorated since antiquity as a Major Feast. That says something to me, and it's worth pondering more.
Happy Sixth Day of Christmas!
RFSJ
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