We read in Matthew 2 that when Jesus was born in
Bethlehem, King Herod, fearing for his throne, ordered that all the male
infants of Bethlehem be killed. These children are regarded as martyrs
for the Gospel -- "martyrs in fact though not in will." Augustine called
them "buds, killed by the frost of persecution the moment they showed
themselves." For a discussion of the historical background of the
episode, send the message Get Infancy Part1 to
=Listserv@asuacad.bitnet or LISTSERV@ASU.EDU.
(Note: Ignore what the file says about the Assumption of Moses. I
hope to update it soon.)
We remember this day, O God, the slaughter of the holy Innocents of Bethlehem by the order of King Herod. Receive, we beseech thee, into the arms of thy mercy all innocent victims; and by thy great might frustrate the designs of evil tyrants and establish thy rule of justice, love, and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
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 and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.