Within 4 days of Christmas, we have the celebration of St Stephen, martyred for the faith, St. John the Apostle, not martyred, but excruciatingly tortured for the faith, we have the slaughter of babies, on the Feast of the Holy Innocents yesterday, and then today, we have the martyrdom of St. Thomas Becket, a bishop of England who was assassinated on his Cathedral steps. It is almost as though the red poinsettias decorating the sanctuary and the church witness to the blood shed by those who love him.
Can’t we just sing cheerful Christmas carols for a few days? Why does it have to be so bloody?
These bloody feast days following Christmas are a shocking reminder of the world’s hatred of the one born on Christmas. For it is clear that Jesus came to this world, ultimately to die.
There is a little debate whether his crib, the manger of Bethlehem was made out of wood or stone. If wood, it reminds us of the wood of the cross; if stone, it reminds us of his tomb. His swaddling clothes which would bind his arms and feet as a baby point to his arms and legs bound to the cross, and to the linen shroud that would wrap him tightly at his burial.
The blood of the Christmas octave also reminds us that many of us too will share in Christ’s lot. This world hated Christ and had “no room for him.” Nor does it have room for us. The blood of martyrs stretches down through the centuries in testimony to the world’s hatred for authentic disciples of Christ and the truth they propose.
During the octave of Christmas, we celebrate our savior, we draw near to him to adore him, and worship him, and hold him close, that we may have the strength and courage and willingness to suffer for him, to exert the energy needed to pursue the sanctification of our souls for him.
Thomas Becket, when those four knights with swords drawn approached him in his Cathedral said, “I am ready to die for God. I am ready to die for the defense of justice. I am ready to die for the freedom of the Church. Would only that my lifeblood might purchase Her peace and freedom”.
Where did he get that courage and readiness? He loved Christ more than anything. May we do the same. For the glory of God and salvation of souls.
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We bring forth now our prayers of petitions.
That the joyful celebration of our Savior’s birth bring renewed conviction for Christ’s truth to the Pope, all bishops, clergy, and lay faithful.
That our President and all leaders of nations may protect and promote religious liberty for all.
For Christians who are persecuted throughout the world, especially those who face martyrdom, that they may have a faith that is constant and pure.
For those oppressed by hunger, sickness or loneliness, that through the mystery of the Nativity of Christ, they may find relief in both mind and body.
For all who have died, and for all the poor souls in purgatory, and for X. for whom this Mass is offered.
Incline your merciful ear to our prayers, we ask, O Lord, and listen in kindness to the supplications of those who call on you. Through Christ our Lord
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