Daily Gospel Reflection for December 28, 2015

Today's Gospel: Matthew 2:13-18

Feast of the Holy Innocents, Martyrs

The most wondrous gift was given to the world in the Incarnation. Yet what trouble and sadness it brought to so many. Right from the start of Jesus’ life, ordinary was not possible. His mother was visited by an angel, his father had dreams, shepherds heard songs, and magi followed stars. Right from the beginning, death threatened him.

This gospel, with its quote from Jeremiah, causes me to pause and thank God for my children. It also reminds me of all those who cannot bear children or whose children have died, both before or after birth. We often say that for a mother to see her child die is to feel a depth of sorrow unmatched by any other. Pray today for children, all children, those with us, those who never had a chance to grow, and those who are with God. Pray, too, for parents, especially those who need consolation.

Ponder:

How can I reach out to parents who have lost a child?

Pray:

Father, I thank you for the gift of all children. Give consolation and strength to those who have suffered the loss of child or who cannot bear children. Give me the grace to reach out to those in need of comfort. Amen.

We thank our friends at The Word Among Us for providing our gospel reflection team with copies of Abide In My Word 2015: Mass Readings at Your Fingertips. To pray the daily gospels with this wonderful resource, visit The Word Among Us.

Copyright 2015 Deanna Bartalini