THE WORD
1 Jn 1,5-2,2 / Mt 2,13-18
When [the magi] had departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother, ee to Egypt, and stay there until I tell you. Herod is going to search for the child to destroy him.” Joseph rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed for Egypt. He stayed there until the death of Herod, that what the Lord had said through the prophet might be fulfilled, “Out of Egypt I called my son.”
When Herod realized that he had been deceived by the magi, he became furious. He ordered the massacre of all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had ascertained from the magi. Then was fulfilled what had been said through Jeremiah the prophet: “A voice was heard in Ramah, sobbing and loud lamentation; Rachel weeping for her children, and she would not be consoled, since they were no more.”
IN OTHER WORDS
In watching Filipino movies, I observe that the main character is always beset with many struggles and pains. As we commonly say, “Ganyan talaga ang bida, inaapi muna bago ang happy ending” (the protagonist must be hurt before a happy ending). This is somehow the same with the story of our Lord made flesh. He was born hidden and hunted by Herod, the ‘contrabida’(antagonist).
Attachment to power could lead a person into doing evil things. King Herod was an example of this reality. He was so afraid of losing his power knowing that the prophecy had been fulfilled. This was the reason why the massacre of innocent children during the time of Moses had happened again, this time attempting to kill the infant Jesus.
“Out of Egypt I called my Son”, the Lord said through the prophet. But Jesus, the new born child was helpless to move on his own. Now, how will I protect the innocents, like the child Jesus, away from harm? They all have the right to live and create a beautiful story in this world. In the Gospel, an angel of the Lord told Joseph to take the child and his mother out of Egypt. In the same way, I am also called to become the Joseph of today.
As we commemorate the Holy Innocents, I am challenged to be a protector of God’s children. I have to be aware that every child brings brilliant ideas for a brighter future of humanity. I must also remember that I am called in leading them to the Lord. I pray that we may become sharers in God’s glorious and endless story of love for humankind.
- Sem. Marlon Jay B. Cabase | CKMS, Quezon City
The Word in other words 2016
An annual project of Logos Publications, The WORD in Other Words Bible Diary contains daily scripture readings and reflections written by priest, brothers, and sisters of the three congregations founded by St. Arnold Janssen (the SVD, SSpS, and SSpSAP). It hopes to serve as a daily companion to readers who continually seek the correlation of the Word of God and human experience.
