“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.” John 1:5
The Church venerates these children as martyrs: they are the first buds of the Church killed by the frost of persecution; they died not only for Christ, but in his stead.
Today, we witness this sacrifice ongoing. This is an attack on the church, the family and God Himself. Abortion is the ongoing massacre of holy innocents. The darkness in the world and within so many hearts is extreme. Things look bleak and hopeless when we see the murder of innocent babies begged for and rejoiced over by so many. We see wars raging, the hatred of mankind against brother manifest in wars and terrorism.
It is so dark.
I look around our world today and clearly see many Herods. Men and women who seek a self-centered and hedonistic life. People who are so focused on their privilege and happiness that they will do anything to obtain their desires and ‘destroy’ anyone who gets in their way. Men and women alike, who want the sensual joys of life so much that they are willing to destroy life seeing it as a curse to their freedom and joy instead of the gift that it is. People who seek wealth and fame so much that they will step over and on anyone between them and this goal. I see people who desire their personal goal and happiness so much that they will make pacts with even the devil. We see leaders and idols with a pulpit who choose to use their voice to lead people further down the path to darkness. Worse for me is the knowledge that so many in our world have allowed these leaders to place a blindfold over their eyes, walking ignorantly along a very dark road.
But, never lose hope. For as St. John wrote, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.” John 1:5
God in His love and light chose to come to the world to guide people and open the gates of Heaven. But, so many hate the light He brings. They chose to walk in their darkness, thinking it fun and freedom. They are so blinded by the dark that they can’t see Hell’s precipice looming ahead.
“those who do not believe are condemned already, because they have not believed in the name of the only Son of God. And this is the judgment, that the light has come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil. For all who do evil hate the light and do not come to the light, so that their deeds may not be exposed.” John 3:18-20
Herod has set a seed in the hearts of so many people even to today. But, we who have seen the light even in the darkest of days, know that even one small flickering candle can vanquish the darkness. Darkness flees before the Light. Jesus calls us to be lights in the darkness.
“let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16
Those who walk this Road of Faith, walk as the light. Walk that other may see the light in you. Even though others seeks to diminish this light, know that it can never be overcome.