Holy Innocent Martyrs

William Holman Hunt - 'Escape into Egypt'

Today we honor and remember the unknown number of boys massacred by Herod at the time when Jesus was born. The Massacre of the Innocents is the biblical narrative of infanticide and gendercide by Herod. According to the Gospel of Matthew Herod ordered the execution of all young male children in the village of Bethlehem, so as to avoid the loss of his throne to a newborn King of the Jews whose birth had been announced to him by the Magi. In typical Matthean style it is understood as the fulfillment of an Old Testament prophecy: "Then was fulfilled that which was spoken through Jeremiah the prophet, saying, A voice was heard in Ramah, Weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children." The number of infants killed is not stated, however, the Holy Innocents have been claimed as the first Christian martyrs. Today we remember also the millions of babies killed through abortion, who may be considered as the modern martyrs, the modern Holy Innocents. 

Also, I remember today the beautiful memorial I erected beside the Cathedral in Baker City, Oregon, in honor of our precious children, born and unborn. Who knows how many people pause as they walk by this Children’s Memorial and say a prayer. May each prayer said saves a baby and help a distraught mother give birth to her precious child.