Christ, our real consolation

The Holy Innocents, Martyrs

Matthew 2:13-18 

Today, we commemorate the Feast of the Holy Innocents who, despite their state of helplessness, already offered their lives to Christ.

Matthew's gospel gave reference to Jeremiah 31:15, about Rachel who could not in any way be consoled because her children were "no more."

In this reading, God speaks as the source of real consolation.  All others, material or any other thing in this world could not console us.

This Christmas Season, let us offer this day for children, especially those aborted, who at their innocence become the victims of sin, darkness, and violence. 

On the other hand, this day is an invitation for us to rely solely on God who consoles us no end.  Remember the Beatitudes, "Blessed are they who mourn, for they shall be comforted" (Mt. 5:4). Let our Christmas not be a feast about food and gifts.  Knowing that these are temporary, the real Christmas is Christ who is our true source of consolation.

Finally, if we can avail ourselves to be instruments of the Lord to console others in their grief, poverty, and desolation, then we would serve as Christ's gifts to them.  In this way, we would see a better world well-lit not with the glitter of materialism but with God.