Wishing you many blessings and graces on this Feast of Holy Innocents.
One parishioner asked why is St Stephen known as the first martyr, when it should've been the Holy Innocents.
Rightfully so, because the Holy Innocents helplessly gave witness to the Christ Child. Including in this list is John the Baptist, who also receive the crown of martyrdom.
But it was St Stephen's post-resurrection martyrdom that made it befitting to receive the title First Martyr.
The Christmas Octave is bittersweet in its celebration of certain feast following the Nativity: Martyrdom of Stephen and Holy Innocents.
The Gospels capture the contrast between light and darkness, good and evil, right and wrong.
Not all welcome the light of Christ that it breaking forth in the darkness. It is a painful experience, sort of like being in a dark room and seeing light for the first time.
It takes the eyes some getting use to, and adjusting to the bright light. Yet some are comfortable in the dark, and wish to extinguish that light (King Herod).
May you have courage to bear the light of Christ despite opposition and the force of darkness.
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