(Image by Claudio Coello, Public Domain)
As one year ends and another begins, our readings revolve around events following the birth of Christ. On the Feast of the Holy Family, we hear about the little family fleeing to Egypt to protect their newborn Son from Herod’s wrath. On January 1, the Feast of Mary, Mother of God, the Gospel story shows how the baby was treasured in the arms of His young mother, surrounded by worshipping angels and shepherds. On the Feast of the Epiphany, we hear the story of wise men from the East following a star to find the foretold King. Their search takes them to the court of Herod. Enraged at the thought of a newborn king, Herod tries to trick them into revealing the location of the child in order to kill Him, but the wise men listen to the voice of God in a dream and return to their home by another way.
In each of these stories, the Child’s life is protected and defended by the people to whom God has entrusted His Son. This poor young couple willingly faces any danger and hardship to protect the life of their little one. Mary, sheltering in a cold stable, not knowing what will happen next, marvels at God’s gift and treasures each moment in her heart. Joseph, always attentive to the voice of God, faithfully listens to the angel’s message and responds with quiet strength, giving up everything to protect Mary and Jesus. The wise men, recognizing the importance of this Child’s birth, are willing to risk Herod’s wrath to protect Him.
This is the way things should be for every child. No matter how poor, obscure, inconvenient or endangered a child may be, each new life is an incredible gift, and God calls upon each parent to protect and defend that child. He calls upon every public official, every medical professional, every judge, king, or congressman, every friend and relative, to surround each precious child with love and protection, regardless of hardship or risk. God entrusts His children to us, and calls on each one of us to care for them.
What child in your life, or in your community, needs protection? Don’t hesitate to defend every child’s life – each one precious and irreplaceable, created by God for a purpose.
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