< <  

Friday, December 30, 2022

  > >

Holy Family


Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14
Colossians 3:12-21
Psalm 128:1-5
Matthew 2:13-15, 19-23

View Readings
Similar Reflections

herod in your home

“Herod is searching for the Child to destroy Him.” —Matthew 2:13

Modern-day “Herods” are still searching for children to destroy (Mt 2:13). These Herods gain entry to the home right under the nose of the parents, who are paralyzed or asleep on the watch (see Mt 26:40). Once the new Herods gain access to the home, they attempt to take over formation of the children in that home.

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton prophesied in the 1800’s that evil would come into every home through a “black box.” There are many such “boxes” in the modern home. Television is a major point of entry for modern Herods. Yes, there are godly TV channels and programs. Yet Herod constantly lurks, a mere thumb-click away from infiltrating the child’s mind and soul. Video games and cartoons often immerse children in violence. The child is gradually desensitized to human suffering, which can lead to violent attitudes and behaviors. Herod works through the internet, “prowling like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1 Pt 5:8). Herod enters a child’s soul through his eyes and ears. Children listen to secular music with ungodly lyrics for hours through black “boxes” such as tablets, smartphones, etc.

Parents, create a holy home environment. With God, you can more than conquer the culture of death (Rm 8:37). Evict Herod from every room of your home. Welcome Jesus to take Herod’s place (see Rv 3:20). Make Jesus the Lord of your home. Your house is His, and He wants it to be “full” (Lk 14:23) of love and faith.

Prayer:  Father, give parents the strength to “test everything; retain what is good” (1 Thes 5:21). May parents be holy in their conduct (1 Pt 1:15) so evil has no foothold in the home.

Promise:  “Over all these virtues put on love, which binds the rest together and makes them perfect.” —Col 3:14

Praise:  “Give to the Lord, you families...give to the Lord glory and praise” (Ps 96:7).

Reference:  (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)

Rescript:  In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from December 1, 2022, through January 31, 2023. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio April 12, 2022

The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.