I was given the opportunity to preach this midweek feast back in 2011 at Christ Church, Vienna and for some reason never posted it. It was one of my earliest sermons there and I was thankful for the opportunity to reflect on an observance about which I knew very litte. Since then, this day has always been one of the most touching for me in my personal reflections because of how it speaks to the enduring hope we have in the face of some of the deepest pain known to humanity, namely, the loss of a child.
The collect appointed for today:
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, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen
