Homily for the Feast of the Holy Innocents

King Herod was so obsessed with maintaining his power and eliminating any perceived threats to it that he was willing to harm even innocent children. Throughout history, many rulers have been willing to sacrifice countless lives to stay in control, and this behavior continues today.

Herod's approach to kingship starkly contrasts the kingship that Jesus proclaimed: the kingship of God. Jesus' kingship is characterized not by oppression but by humble service to others.

The infant Jesus, who escaped Herod's cruelty, grew into an adult who taught His disciples, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and the great ones make their authority over them felt.
But it shall not be so among you. Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you shall be your servant."

While we may not act like Herod, we must not be complacent in how we treat others. Human nature tends to seek dominance over others. The first reading today states, " If we say we are without sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us." We need to be vigilant about how we may fail to embrace the path of humble, self-emptying service to others, which is the way of Jesus.