Massacre of the Innocents: Circa 2008 - Leonor Magtolis Briones [1]
THE BUSINESS OF GOVERNANCE | LEONOR MAGTOLIS BRIONES | 12/29/2008 12:54 AM
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Yesterday, December 28, is known in many Christian countries as the day of the "Massacre of the Innocents ." This is to commemorate the massacre of Jewish babies two years old and below, upon orders of Herod, king of Judea. The bloody event took place after the birth of Jesus Christ. On this day, Christians reflect on the innocent babies who were brutally murdered by a maddened king who wanted to eliminate the Christ Child prophesied to become King of the Jews. They are reminded that often, the innocent are sacrificed to the insatiable greed and lust for power of those who rule.
As recounted in the Gospel of Matthew Chapter 2, The three Wise Men or the Magi came to Bethlehem of Judea. They were looking for the child who the prophets foretold, would save his people. They queried, "where is he who is born King of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the east and are come to worship him." When Herod learned about the quest of the Magi, he was disturbed and called them secretly. He asked them to look for the child so that he too, would worship him.
The Magi did find the Christ Child but did not report to Herod. They were warned in a dream about Herod's murderous intentions and went home through another route. When Herod learned that he was tricked by the Magi, he went berserk and ordered the mass slaughter of infants two years old and below. He wanted to make sure that the Christ Child would not remain alive and eventually replace him.
However, Joseph was also warned in a dream to flee posthaste to Egypt with his family. Thus the Christ Child was saved from the wrath of Herod.
Some scholars believe that the story of the massacre did not actually take place, especially since it was only Matthew who recorded the event. The three other gospel writers made no mention of it. Those who believe that the massacre actually happened retort that the massacre is in keeping with known facts about the bloodthirsty Herod. Josephus wrote that Herod murdered two of his sons and their mother, Mariana, because he suspected them of wanting to take over his throne.
The innocents as victims until now
The Massacre of the Innocents happened more than two thousand years ago. It is still commemorated by present-day Christians.
Sadly, humankind has not learned from the lessons of that gory event. Innocent babies continue to die in the Philippines and elsewhere from neglect, malnutrition and disease.
The Philippines has among the highest rates of infant mortality in Asia. While Southeast Asian countries have single-digit infant mortality rates, the national rate in 2006 stood at 24 for every one thousand live births. Singapore's rate is 2 while Thailand's is 7.
Ironically, while the national capital region NCR is considered the richest, most prosperous and technologically advanced in the country, it has the highest infant mortality rate at 19.
Only last Dec. 26, the Secretary of Health reported to the media that dengue and malaria are once more on the rise. Children tend to be especially vulnerable to dengue and other water borne diseases.
Not surprisingly, the Philippines which worships mothers, has also high maternal mortality rates. The national rate as of 2005 is 230 per 100,000 live births. The rate of Singapore is 14; Malaysia 62; Thailand 110; and Vietnam 150.
Innocents and the budget
Babies and children under 5 years die from causes which are largely preventable. These are: respiratory condition of the fetus and newborn, pneumonias, congenital anomalies, diarrheal diseases, birth injuries, septicemia or massive infection, measles, meningitis, other diseases of the respiratory system, avitaminoses and nutritional deficiencies.
Government has to expend a larger portion of the budget on health needs of children. Deaths can be reduced by provision of trained health personnel in barangays, micronutrients and medicines, better medical facilities and improved sanitation.
The proposals of Alternative Budget Initiative/Social Watch for a midwife in every barangay will surely reduce birth injuries. Release of funds for the allocation of P100 million for autoclaves will surely go a long way in disinfecting hospital equipment, thereby saving more lives, especially those of babies. Micronutrients can help prevent health problems before serious complications develop.
Until we take better care of our children, we have no business condemning Herod for the slaughter of innocent babies two thousand years ago. Babies continue to die not on a single day, but every day.
as of 12/29/2008 12:54 AM
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