By two revelations, the Lord defeated Herod in His plan to kill Jesus. The wise men "received a message in a dream not to return to Herod" (Mt 2:12). "After they had left, the angel of the Lord suddenly appeared in a dream to Joseph with the command: 'Get up, take the Child and His mother, and flee to Egypt' " (Mt 2:13). Both these revelations were necessary to protect Jesus from Herod. If the wise men had reported to Herod, God's revelation to Joseph would have been too late to save Jesus' life. In addition, if Joseph had not heard the Lord, God's revelation to the wise men would have been useless.

We defeat the darkness by the light of divine revelation. We need to hear everything the Lord wants to tell us as soon as He tells us. "A people living in darkness has seen a great light. On those who inhabit a land overshadowed by death, light has arisen" (Mt 4:16). Consequently, we must be encouraged to daily seek God's face by praying, reading God's word, celebrating the sacraments, and living in Christian community. We want to receive the fullness of divine revelation. Then we must accept responsibility to share the light of Christ. "Rise up in splendor! Your light has come, the glory of the Lord shines upon you. See, darkness covers the earth, and thick clouds cover the peoples; but upon you the Lord shines, and over you appears His glory. Nations shall walk by Your light, and kings by Your shining radiance" (Is 60:1-3).

Defeat Herod. Protect children from death. Bring down the culture of death. Receive and share immediately and repeatedly "the light of life" (Jn 8:12).

Rescript:  †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, June 27, 2012

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