HOMILY OF THE FEAST OF HOLY INNOCENTS
HOMILY THEME: LIGHT VERSUS DARKNESS
BY: Fr Francis Onwunali
In our liturgy today, the Church celebrates the Feast of Holy Innocents. In the bid to eliminate the Child Jesus after birth, King Herod who have been informed of a new born King by the magi, massacred innocent children in Bethlehem and its vicinity two years old and under (Matt. 2: 13-18). These innocent children who died on Christ’s behalf are the first martyrs whose blood were shed for Jesus Christ.
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The first reading (1Jn 1: 5- 2: 2) is focused on the theme of light versus darkness- Good versus evil. John tells us that God is light and in God, there is no darkness. John equates sin with darkness. Because of our sinfulness, we have been in the dark, but we are being called to walk in the light, since Jesus is the light for our way. There is also a hopeful message that if we fall into sin, we have Jesus as our mediator Who will plead our case and who has already been a sin-offering for us.
Dear friends, when a heart is filled with wickedness, envy, vengence, pride and all vices, it is overshadowed by darkness and like King Herod, can go to any length to get what it desires. The consequences of such action is always devastating and regrettable.
I pray as we journey on this fourth day of Christmas Octave, we will seek the face of Jesus Christ, who is the light, so that our steps and actions will be guided in the right direction. Let us remember that if the Lord had not been with us when men rose up against us, then would they have swallowed us alive (Ps. 124: 3-4). May our sorrows and challenges in life never diminish the joy our faith in the Lord offers. Have a Light-full day!
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