12/28/2024
Tonight and tomorrow we remember those very first Christian martyrs - martyrs of body not of will - who serve as example of broad swath Satan cuts to try to destroy not only Christ and His Church, but their image in marriage and the family. Christ’s birth was to defeat sin, death, and the power of the Devil. Make your way to church this weekend and receive our Lord’s medicine of immortality - even (and especially) in the midst of grief and pain. There is hope - in Christ born for you!
Dec. 28 is the feast of the Holy Innocents, the martyred children Herod killed in search of Jesus. Just as the Church looks forward to meeting these martyrs at Christ’s triumphant return, so we look forward to reuniting or meeting those children who died in the faith.
"But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep" (1 Thess. 4:13–14).
We pray: Almighty and everlasting God, You give and You take away according to Your wisdom and grace. According to Your gracious will, comfort those who grieve at the death of a child, and support them with the promise of a blessed reunion in heaven. Keep all of us in Your grace so that when our last hour comes we may depart in peace; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
