Reflecting on the appalling evil of such an act, I am reminded of another group of children who were wantonly murdered for no other reason than for being a certain age. Next Friday we celebrate the feast of the Holy Innocents - those innocent children who were slaughtered in Herod's frenzy to kill the Christ Child and prevent Him from taking his throne. Many mothers' and fathers' hearts were rent apart that day, and I am sure there were many parents who fell defending their children. Praise God for the bravery and courage of the teachers of Sandy Hook who even sacrificed their very lives to protect these innocent little lives so that more parents would once again be able to scoop their children in their arms and hold them close. "Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends" (John 15:13). The sacrifice of these teachers will not go unrewarded in Heaven.
That anyone would so viciously attack these children - children who are the very source and symbol of youth, innocence, purity, life, joy and all that is good - is unthinkable. Yet here we are, facing this tragedy that can only be described as horrific. There are no words to convey the sorrow we all feel in our hearts. No words of comfort that would be sufficient. As we grieve with Newtown, we can be sure that the very Hearts of Jesus and Mary are pierced and bleeding with the hearts of the parents, siblings families and friends of these children and teachers.
As for the young man who took these innocent lives, we can only pray that God have mercy on his soul. I can't help but feel sorrow in my heart for him. How much hope he must have lost to sink to such depravity! There is a great temptation to wish every kind of evil upon this young man's soul as recompense for his act, but we must remember the forgiveness of Our Lord and Our Blessed Mother at the Cross. In the very midst of the most terrible and unspeakable crime - the Crucifixion of Our Lord - Jesus prayed that the Father would forgive those who were crucifying Him. Our Lady, whose will is perfectly conformed to her Son's, was no doubt filled with sorrow at the sad fate of the souls who were crucifying their God, her own child. Inexpressible sorrow, but not bitterness or hate. They, too, were her children, and she wished to see them conformed to the Will of God instead of giving in to such reckless hate.
As we pray for the healing of these families, the town of Newtown, and all those affected, let us also remember to pray for this young man, that the Mercy of God would prevail where our justice would convict, for it is in His Mercy that God is more greatly glorified. Let us take what comfort we can from the knowledge that these children are now in the arms of Jesus and Mary, and in the company of the Holy Innocents of long ago - eager to send blessings and love back to their families. May the Holy Innocents intercede for us all, especially for the families of those who lost children and the teachers who lost their lives to protect these children.
A Prayer To The Holy Innocents
Holy Innocents, you died before you were old enough to know what
life means, pray for all children who die young that God may
gather them into His loving arms.
Holy Innocents, you were killed because one man was filled
with hatred, pray for those who hate that God may touch
their hearts and fill them with love.
Holy Innocents, you experienced a violent death, pray for
all who are affected by violence that they
may find peace and love.
Holy Innocents, your parents grieved for you with deep
and lasting sorrow, pray for all parents who have lost
young children that God may wrap a warm
blanket of comfort around them.
Holy Innocents, those around you certainly felt helpless
to prevent your deaths, pray for all who feel
helpless in their circumstances that they may cling to
God for courage and hope.
Holy Innocents, you who are now in Heaven, pray for all
of us that one day we may join you there
to bask in God's love forever.
Amen.
Prayer taken from the Catholic Church Facebook page:
www.facebook.com/TheCatholicChurch
IN MEMORIAM
Charlotte Bacon, 6
Daniel Barden, 7
Olivia Engel, 6
Josephine Gay, 7
Ana Marquez-Greene, 6
Dylan Hockley, 6
Madeleine F. Hsu, 6
Catherine V. Hubbard, 6
Chase Kowalski, 7
Jesse Lewis, 6
James Mattioli, 6
Grace McDonnell, 7
Emilie Parker, 6
Jack Pinto, 6
Noah Pozner, 6
Caroline Previdi, 6
Jessica Rekos, 6
Avielle Richman, 6
Benjamin Wheeler, 6
Allison N. Wyatt, 6
Rachel Davino
Dawn Hochsprung
Nancy Lanza
Anne Marie Murphy
Lauren Rousseau
Mary Sherlach
Victoria Soto
Written by Catherine
