Look what power, greed, and insecurity can do. Because Herod was very afraid of losing his position and privileges, he had all boys below two years old killed.

In today’s time, Herod’s acts are still very much around. According to the World Health Organization, there are about 125,000 abortions every day. Meaning about 40,000,000 to 50,000,000 abortions every year. When it is the mother already willing to terminate the life of her baby, it reminds us of three things:

• Life is cheap. When at the start of life, one already has the option to terminate it, then life is cheap already. No wonder that at any point in life, life is based on whether you are an asset or a liability. If liability, then disregard life already.
• Life is not a joyful occasion. A baby typically brings joy to the family. Now it is seen as an added cost, added responsibility, and limitations to freedom.
• Life is not a blessing. People come into our lives for a reason and purpose. But when life is a commodity, then we just use people without conscience. No wonder there is fear, anxiety, and worry among so many people because they do not know who to count on.

May we always pray for our society. The weak are always taken advantage of. Yesterday was the Feast of the Holy Innocents. We remember the babies. Let us remember that we, too, were once babies.

The developmental stage of babies and young children is very important. Psychology has shown that many abuses and traumas experienced by babies and little children are brought to adulthood when processed.

Lastly, maybe go back to basics: each life brings joy, each life brings hope, and each life has a purpose and mission from God.