Excellent explanation! The St. Augustine quote by St. Thomas was especially helpful. St. Thomas also wrote elsewhere that the sacraments of the Old Covenant were efficacious for grace in anticipation of the Messiah, so any of the Holy Innocents who were circumcised would have been brought to Heaven by Christ along with the other righteous souls in the Bosom of Abraham. Since reason and will are not necessary for circumcision or infant baptism, I think you're right that they aren't necessary for martyrdom, either. Merry Christmas!
Excellent explanation! The St. Augustine quote by St. Thomas was especially helpful. St. Thomas also wrote elsewhere that the sacraments of the Old Covenant were efficacious for grace in anticipation of the Messiah, so any of the Holy Innocents who were circumcised would have been brought to Heaven by Christ along with the other righteous souls in the Bosom of Abraham. Since reason and will are not necessary for circumcision or infant baptism, I think you're right that they aren't necessary for martyrdom, either. Merry Christmas!
Insightful article! Holy Innocents, pray for us! 🙏🏻