Matthew’s Gospel
tells of King Herod’s vicious plot against the infant Jesus after being
“tricked” by the Wise Men. Threatened by the one “born King of the Jews,” Herod
murdered all the children in and around Bethlehem who were two years old or
younger (Matthew 2:16–18 ).
These “innocents,” commemorated just three days after the celebration of Jesus’
birth, remind us not only of the terrible brutality of which human beings are
capable but more significantly of the persecution Jesus endured from the beginning
of His earthly life. Although Jesus’ life was providentially spared at this
time, many years later, another ruler, Pontius Pilate, would sentence the
innocent Jesus to death. [Kinnaman, Scot A. (2008-10-31). Treasury of Daily
Prayer (Kindle Locations 32935-32939). Concordia Publishing House. Kindle
Edition.]
Collect of the Day
Almighty God, the
martyred innocents of Bethlehem showed forth Your praise not by speaking but by
dying. Put to death in us all that is in
conflict with Your will that our lives may bear witness to the faith we profess
with our lips; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You
and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
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