“These are the ones coming out of the great tribulation.” This day’s liturgy applies those words to the little children of Bethlehem cut down by Herod’s sword. But the great tribulation is a vast span of terror, from the little children slaughtered by Pharaoh in Egypt down to today’s little children cut down by the billion-dollar abortion business.
Upon first hearing the horrible story of their slaughter, it seems the Divine plan is only about protecting the infant Jesus. He escapes, but the children of Bethlehem do not.
But Jesus doesn’t escape. His doom is delayed. It is for all the children of Adam that Christ came into this world. He will experience all their sufferings. “That it might be fulfilled” is twice repeated in these short six verses, revealing to us that God’s plan is to join Himself to all the suffering of the human race—not only the children of Bethlehem, but the slaves in Egypt, the weeping of Rachel, and the suffering of all those dear to Him.
“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.” Every one of you is dear to God and valued. It doesn’t feel that way when you are going through the tribulations of this life, some caused by your own sins, some by the sins of others.
But into all these troubles Jesus enters. He assumes them into Himself. Every great tribulation from the beginning of the world He goes through, so that He can rescue all victims. “These are the ones coming out of the great tribulation. They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.” The blood of His tribulation cleanses us from our own.
For what? He makes you, right where you are, Josephs and Marys. Mary, to care for children and nurture them; Joseph, to guard women and children and provide for them. King Herod still lives. He has traded in his sword for scissors and poison. He crushes skulls and harvests organs. The Great Tribulation is taking place today across the globe. To protect his adopted son, Joseph fled. What action is God calling you to take, to protect and care for little children today? God calls some to marriage and childbearing, others to adoption, still others to teach Sunday School, donate to a clinic that helps women, or provide an education at a Christian school.
The conclusion of the matter is certain. God has a plan. And you are a part of it: you will be rescued from the Great Tribulation, washed by the blood of the Lamb, and until that day, care for all the little ones God puts in your path.