For most Jews at the time Jesus was born, Herod was their King in name only. 

More than anything, Herod wanted to hold on to his throne, and if betraying his people to the Romans helped him stay on the throne, then he was more than willing. 

To ensure he had no challengers, he had killed two brother-in-laws, his own brother, and his wife. 

So, when the three wise men stopped in to visit with Herod asking him about the Messiah’s imminent arrival, it comes as no surprise that Herod would see The Holy Infant as a rival he could not tolerate. 

When the visitors from the east fail to return to tell Herod where Jesus is, he flies into a rage and orders a massacre of all the babies in and around Bethlehem. 

But Jesus is saved by his earthly father, Joseph, who follows the direction of The Angel of God and takes the Holy Family into Egypt. 

Alas, this was not the case for the other babies in the region, as we will hear today, in the conclusion of the Gospel of Mattew: 

“Then was fulfilled what had been said through Jeremiah the prophet: 
A voice was heard in Ramah, sobbing and loud lamentation; 
Rachel weeping for her children, and she would not be consoled, since they were no more.”

All you Holy Innocents, please pray for us.