Day 4 (December 28) – Four Calling Birds
Theme: The Four Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John
Feast of the Holy Innocents, Martyrs
Opening Prayer
Gather as a family or individually. Light a red candle (for martyrdom).
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O God, whom the Holy Innocents confessed and proclaimed on this day, not by speaking but by dying,
grant, we pray, that the faith in You which we confess with our lips may also speak through our manner of life.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, forever and ever. Amen.
(Collect from the Mass for the Holy Innocents)
Scripture Reading
Read slowly and prayerfully:
Matthew 2:13–18 (The Massacre of the Innocents)
“Then Herod... sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem... Then was fulfilled what was spoken by the prophet Jeremiah: ‘A voice was heard in Ramah, weeping and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children...’”
John 1:1–5, 14 (Prologue of John's Gospel)
“In the beginning was the Word... And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.”
Reflection
The fourth gift from our True Love (God) is four calling birds, symbolizing the Four Gospels – Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.
- These "calling birds" (songbirds joyfully proclaiming) represent the Evangelists whose voices ring out the Good News of Christ's birth, life, death, and resurrection across the world.
- Traditional symbols: Matthew (winged man – Jesus' humanity and genealogy), Mark (lion – courage and resurrection), Luke (ox – sacrifice and mercy), John (eagle – soaring divinity).
On this Feast of the Holy Innocents, we honor the silent martyrdom of the children slain by Herod. Their innocent blood "calls out" like the Gospels, testifying to the cost of Christ's coming and the victory of the Lamb who conquers evil.
Questions for Personal or Family Reflection
- Which Gospel do I turn to most often, and why? How does it "call" to me personally?
- The Holy Innocents died without words. How can my life silently proclaim the Gospel?
- In a world that still harms the innocent (e.g., abortion, war, neglect), how am I called to protect life?
Practical Activities for Catholics
- Honor the Holy Innocents
Pray for the protection of unborn children and all vulnerable lives. Offer a decade of the Rosary for an end to abortion. - Sing Together
Sing the first four verses of “The Twelve Days of Christmas”:
“On the fourth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me: Four calling birds, three French hens, two turtle doves, and a partridge in a pear tree.”
Follow with “Coventry Carol” (a haunting lullaby mourning the Holy Innocents). - Act of Charity
Support life: donate to a pro-life organization, pray outside an abortion clinic, or reach out to a family with young children. - Closing Prayer – Prayer for Day 4
O God, whose Gospel rings out through the four voices of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John,
Thank You for these calling birds that proclaim Your Son to the world.
Through the intercession of the Holy Innocents,
give me courage to listen to the Gospels daily
and to defend innocent life with love and boldness.
May their blood united with Christ's redeem our world.
Holy Innocents, martyrs, pray for us.
Amen.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Blessed Feast of the Holy Innocents! May the voice of the Gospels echo loudly in your heart this fourth day of Christmas.
Tomorrow: Five Golden Rings.