Mon., Dec. 28: 1 John 1:5–2:2; Matt 2:13-18

If we say, ‘We are without sin,’ we deceive ourselves. Herod couldn’t risk a challenge to the status quo, even from a tiny baby. Through the ages, the actors and scenery change, but the script is basically the same. The very young, the unborn, the old, the sick and the helpless are all made subject to marginalization, neglect and death, all because they somehow threaten us. We will not trust God and risk alternative solutions to put the lives of the defenseless ahead of our comfort. So we cause or at least silently condone war, famine, abortion, exile, forced marches and genocide. Wake up! As Thomas Merton observed, "There are no innocent bystanders."

*Lord, help me to remember that I am my brother’s and sister’s keeper.