28 Dec
Sat
Holy Innocents
(Psalter Wk IV)
1 Jn 1:5-2:2
Ps. 123:2-5,7-8; Mt 2:13-18
How To Pray With Shalom
Home Page of Shalom
Index of This Month
 

The story is full of symbolism indicating that the Child Jesus is a true representative of Israel. The Holy Family fleeing from Herod to Egypt reminds us of Moses fleeing to Midian to escape the Pharaoh. It is also recalls the Pharaoh's command to kill all the first-born Israelites in Egypt. Jesus is seen by Matthew as the new Moses. "I have called my son out of Egypt" brings to mind the Exodus, the great act of liberation for God's people. Jesus will bring about an even greater liberation by the establishment of His Kingdom, the Kingdom of 'truth and life, of holiness and grace, of justice, love, and peace'. As the Pharaoh hoped to wipe out the Israelites, Herod, whose cruelty is historically well established, tried to wipe out a potential threat to his kingship. The death of the children echoes the death of so many Israelites during the cruel days of exile. Jesus is one with His people. He escapes now but only later on to die on their behalf, the testimony of God's love to His own people and the people of the whole world.



May our lives bear witness to the faith we profess with our lips.

DAILY OFFERING
Eternal Father, I offer You everything I do this day; my thoughts, words, joys and sufferings. Grant that, vivified by the Holy Spirit and united to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, my life this day may be of service to You and to others. I also pray that all those preparing for marriage discover in Sacrament the source of Christ's grace for living a fithful and fruitful love. Amen.

PRAYING WITH THE CHURCH
INTENTION
That children may be protected and defended against every form of violence by means of the care taken by their families and of adequate social policies, all over the world.
Elaboration

- END -