The Holy Innocents, Martyrs

The Feast of the Holy Innocents, celebrated on December 28th, commemorates the infant boys of Bethlehem who were massacred by King Herod in his attempt to kill the newborn Messiah. These children, though they did not consciously choose martyrdom, died "not by speaking but by dying" for Christ.

The Gospel Account

"Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked by the wise men, was exceedingly angry, and sent out and killed all the male children who were in Bethlehem and in all the surrounding countryside, from two years old and under, according to the exact time w…" — Matthew 2:16

The Prophecy Fulfilled

Matthew sees in this tragedy the fulfillment of Jeremiah's prophecy:

"The LORD says: 'A voice is heard in Ramah, lamentation and bitter weeping, Rachel weeping for her children. She refuses to be comforted for her children, because they are no more.'" — Jeremiah 31:15; Matthew 2:18

Rachel, buried near Bethlehem, symbolically weeps for her descendants—the children of Israel slaughtered by a paranoid king.

Historical Context

Herod the Great was known for his paranoid violence. He murdered several of his own sons and even his beloved wife Mariamne out of fear for his throne. A massacre of perhaps a dozen infants in a small village would barely register in the chronicles of his crimes—yet these children are remembered forever in the Church's liturgy.

The First Martyrs

The Church honors the Holy Innocents as martyrs—the first to die for Christ. Augustine wrote: "They were not old enough to believe in Christ who was to suffer; but they had flesh in which they could endure the sufferings of Christ who was to suffer."

They are called "the flowers of the martyrs"—the first buds of spring cut down by the frost of persecution.

Contemporary Significance

The Holy Innocents speak powerfully to our age:

• They remind us of the value of every human life, from conception
• They call us to protect the vulnerable and innocent
• They intercede for children who suffer violence and abuse
• They represent all victims of injustice throughout history

Liturgical Observance

Traditionally, this was a day of mourning: vestments were violet (later red for martyrdom), the Gloria and Alleluia were omitted. The Church laments the slaughter while celebrating the innocents' heavenly glory.