We remember today, O God, the slaughter of the holy innocents of Bethlehem by King Herod. Receive, we pray, into the arms of your mercy all innocent victims; and by your great might frustrate the designs of evil tyrants and establish your rule of justice, love, and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
The Psalm
124
The Readings
Jeremiah 31:15-17 + Revelation 21:1-7 + Matthew 2:13-18
Rachel is weeping for her children; she refuses to be comforted, because they are no more.
~Jeremiah 31:15
Setting aside a day to remember, to contemplate, the slaughter of the innocent children of Bethlehem? On the fourth day of Christmas, no less? Yes, for this too is part of the story: that God descends fully into the dark brutality of this world in all its grasping, power-clutching madness. And we are right that we refuse to be comforted, or to choose the false comfort of willful ignorance to the world's cruelty. And yet it is that same world that Christ comes to redeem--and we look for the Day.
"See, the home of God is among mortals.
He will dwell with them as their God;
they will be his peoples,
and God himself will be with them;
he will wipe every tear from their eyes.
Death will be no more;
mourning and crying and pain will be no more,
for the first things have passed away."
~Revelation 21:3-4
Closing Prayer
Almighty God, who created us in your own image: Grant us grace fearlessly to contend against evil and to make no peace with oppression; and, that we may reverently use our freedom, help us to employ it in the maintenance of justice in our communities and among the nations, to the glory of your holy Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
~Collect no. 21, For Social Justice (BCP p. 260)
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