Today’s Readings:
1 John 1:5-2:2
Psalm 124:2-5,7-8
Matthew 2:13-18
Fear and selfishness are a dangerous mix. Today’s gospel presents King Herod as a ruler so consumed by the desire to protect his power that he resorts to the horrific act of killing innocent children. History is marked by many such leaders, even in recent times, who have shown a willingness to sacrifice the lives of others to secure their position. Herod’s style of leadership starkly contrasts with the kingship of God, embodied and proclaimed by Christ. Divine kingship is revealed through humility, compassion, and selfless service to others and is not rooted in domination or fear.
Just days after celebrating the birth of a child, today’s feast of the Holy Innocents brings us to a sombre moment in Matthew’s gospel, recounting the death of innocent children. The darkness in this passage stems from Herod the Great, whose actions lead to the loss of young lives and force the Holy Family to flee to Egypt as refugees. This story resonates with our world today, where power is still often wielded in ways that bring suffering to the innocent, including children.
Today, let us pray for countless persons who are displaced, becoming refugees, due to the cruelty and oppression of those in authority. Let us pray for those who turn to abortion and contraception in hopes of finding freedom—that they may once more realise that human life is precious and priceless. We pray against a generation that separates the unitive action of sex from its procreative mystery of conception. We pray for God’s mercy on the culture which promotes the death of the unborn and defenceless.
We all must work together to entrench a culture of life from the home to the court of public
opinion.
Love your spouse.
Accept and nurture your children as gifts from God.
Teach your children to love themselves instead of becoming slaves to people’s affirmation.
Add value to people’s lives instead of focusing on money and profit.
Wait until marriage to dive into intimacy —pre-mature intimacy will scar you for life.
Admit your hurt and seek healing, so that you do not leave a trail of broken hearts.
May God help us to spread God’s reign through acts of humility, compassion and selfless
service to others.
JUDE-MARY OWOH
To surrender your life to Christ, say this prayer aloud. “Father, I acknowledge my sin against You. I repent and ask for forgiveness, in the name of Jesus. I surrender to the Lordship of Jesus. By the power of Your Holy Spirit, take control of my heart and lead me in Your path of righteousness. Thank you, Lord.”
If you said the prayer, Congratulations! Prayerfully look for a living church and meet the resident reverend, pastor or priest.
Prayer:
You are healed from every trauma and hurt in Jesus’ name.
You are forgiven for that abortion and act of contraception.
You are free from fear and selfishness.
You are free because God has saved you through Christ our Lord. Amen.
May God delight in you. In His mercy, He will pardon your sins.
In His love, you shall prosper. In His providence, you shall never lack. In His grace and favour, you shall be a blessing unto others through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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