In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit
OPENING PRAYER
In their silence, the Holy Innocents witness the birth of Jesus; may we be courageous in defending the innocent from cruelty in this world.
SCRIPTURE
Read from the Gospel of St Matthew 2:13-18:
‘the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Get up, take the child and his mother with you, and escape to Egypt,”.
On the run, travelling day and night, escaping from violence in their own country, the Holy Family are to be refugees in a foreign land. In times of war and social upheaval, we may ask where is God? He is there, with his family, with his people, a refugee also.
ADMIRABILE SIGNUM
Pope Francis tells us:
‘At Mary’s side, shown protecting the Child and his Mother, stands Saint Joseph. He is usually depicted with staff in hand, or holding up a lamp. Saint Joseph plays an important role in the life of Jesus and Mary. He is the guardian who tirelessly protects his family. When God warned him of Herod’s threat, he did not hesitate to set out and flee to Egypt.’
CLOSING PRAYER
We pray for expectant mothers, especially those who are experiencing difficulties. We pray for mothers with newly born babies.
O God, who welcomes all children, and calls on us to follow their lead in being open to the love that Jesus offers, fill us with your Holy Spirit so that our hearts are filled with love for the innocent.
ACTIVITY
Pray together a decade of the Holy Rosary for all mothers to be, new mothers, for midwives and for all who are responsible for the care of the unborn and the newly born.