1 John 1:5 - 2:2 / Matthew 2:13-18
There are many ways to address a problem. Of course the most civilized way is through dialogue and negotiation.
But at the root of the problem, the thing is that someone is feeling threatened or put in a negative or inferior position.
The result is of course fear, in that fear will make a person react in such a way that can be hostile and violent, and dialogue and negotiation is out of the question.
Such was the case of king Herod when he heard of the news of the newborn king of the Jews.
And then when he learnt that the wise men that he sent to find out more about this newborn king outwitted him, he was furious and he ordered the killing of all male children who were two years old or under.
It was certainly an act of atrocity, and furthermore it was an extremely violent and cruel act against the weak and defenseless.
Like the blood of Abel, the blood of those infant innocents cry out against this atrocious, violent and cruel act.
Their cries should also make us face our fears so that we don't act in a hostile or violent way against others, whether children or adults.
Moreover, let us heed the call of justice and that is to protect those who are weak and who cannot defend themselves against aggression.