December 28 is traditionally called as Innocents Day in honor of the innocent boys 2 years old and below who were murdered by the command of King Herod in Bethlehem and its vicinity.
What can we learn from this event?
First, a life without Jesus Christ is bound to be selfish.
King Herod was called as Herod the Great because of the impressive structures that he built during his reign as king. He is credited to have completed the Second Temple that was described as even more beautiful than the First Temple constructed by King Solomon.
But Herod the Great was not great at all. He put to death his sons, wives and in-laws in order to stay in power. And worst, he murdered innocent children because he did not want someone to replace him as the king.
Let us remember that sometimes we are like King Herod. We must check ourselves from time to time if we are selfish, if we are abusing our authority, and if we are scheming things that will bring about death and destruction.
Second, let us protect the innocent and support what gives life.
There are a lot of murderous kings, dictators, presidents and leaders throughout history. We have only one life to live in this world. Taking the life of another person is always against the will of God.
Let us remember that our lives are precious in the eyes of God. This is the reason why God became man in the person of Jesus Christ. If God does not see us as precious, then Jesus would not have died in the cross for our salvation.
So, the challenge for us is to value the life of others, and to protect the innocents so that they may live life to the fullest.
May God bless us all! Happy New Year!
Sincerely,
Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on
Director, Office of Communications
Central Philippine University