THE HOLY INNOCENTS
3. The Divine Child.
Here Jesus teaches us how the plans of men come to naught when confronted with His power and wisdom. You can see that in the easy way He dispels the designs and orders of Herod. He also teaches us, by allowing His cradle to be surrounded by the wailing of innocent children, that sacrifice is inseparable from His life; that all. even the innocent, must go that same way. Even innocence itself must be accompanied by penance.
But see how in a moment the scene changes. What was sorrow and tragedy is turned into joy and glory. Jesus always triumphs after persecution. Who would not feel like following that eternal Vanquisher? In His tiny hand we can already see the power to dispose of the destinies of men.
Lastly, ask Our Lady for light to detect your passions, for strength and will to overcome them. Passions duly checked might become a strong source of power. See, for instance, the determination which Herod brings to his evil designs. He stops at nothing. If he had placed this determination at the service of good, he might have been a saint. Direct your passions towards Jesus and Mary; bring the fire of your love for them into devotion and loyalty to them. You will then easily overcome the hindrances which bestrew the path of sanctity.
[Excerpted from 'MARIAN MEDITATIONS' Book by Rev. Dr. Ildefonso R. Villar, Salesian Philippine Province, Nihil Obstat; Imprimatur]
3. The Divine Child.
Here Jesus teaches us how the plans of men come to naught when confronted with His power and wisdom. You can see that in the easy way He dispels the designs and orders of Herod. He also teaches us, by allowing His cradle to be surrounded by the wailing of innocent children, that sacrifice is inseparable from His life; that all. even the innocent, must go that same way. Even innocence itself must be accompanied by penance.
But see how in a moment the scene changes. What was sorrow and tragedy is turned into joy and glory. Jesus always triumphs after persecution. Who would not feel like following that eternal Vanquisher? In His tiny hand we can already see the power to dispose of the destinies of men.
Lastly, ask Our Lady for light to detect your passions, for strength and will to overcome them. Passions duly checked might become a strong source of power. See, for instance, the determination which Herod brings to his evil designs. He stops at nothing. If he had placed this determination at the service of good, he might have been a saint. Direct your passions towards Jesus and Mary; bring the fire of your love for them into devotion and loyalty to them. You will then easily overcome the hindrances which bestrew the path of sanctity.
[Excerpted from 'MARIAN MEDITATIONS' Book by Rev. Dr. Ildefonso R. Villar, Salesian Philippine Province, Nihil Obstat; Imprimatur]
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