Feast of the Holy Innocents, martyrs
(I John 1:5-2:2; Matthew 2:13-18)
If Rachel lived in our generation, she may not be crying for
her children. The reason for her lack of
tears would not, for the most part, be insensitivity. Rather Rachel would not be weeping because it
is quite possible that she, like many women today, would not have any
children. The birthrate throughout most of
the world has steadily declined over the last generation, much below what is
required for replacement. African and
some Muslim countries are generally exceptions to this rule.
The situation is as tragic as it is dire. The dearth of children jeopardizes families, faith
traditions, and cultures. When couples
have children, they make sacrifices which serve as a binding force keeping
families together. Also, pursuing material
success and enjoyment rather than raising a family, people are less likely to
turn to God regularly. Not only religion
but other aspects of culture like national customs will erode as populations
shift.
At Christmas we celebrate the birth of a child. Jesus was as special a child as one can
be. Among so much else, he embodies
God’s affirmation of humanity as well human hope for the future. His birth relays a message of joy and love
that should resound in the births of many children to committed couples.
