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The Return from Egypt.
“But when Herod was dead, behold an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in Egypt, saying: ‘Arise, and take the Child and His mother and go into the land of Israel, for they are dead that sought the life of the Child’ ” (Matt. 2, 19-20).
First Prelude: Picture the Holy Family, returning from Egypt.
Second Prelude: Give me grace, O my Saviour, to realize the necessity of being guided in all things solely by the light and principles of faith.
FIRST POINT
THE HOLY FAMILY SET OUT ON THEIR HOMEWARD JOURNEY
Fully resigned to the holy Will of God, Mary and Joseph started on their homeward journey, with the same readiness with which they had gone to Egypt. They had not once longed for their time of exile to be shortened; had it been the Will of God, they would cheerfully have endured the hardships and sufferings of their sojourn in Egypt yet longer. Had the angel not said to Joseph: “Be there until I shall tell Thee?” (Matt. 2, 13). Consequently, he abandoned himself entirely to the guidance of Divine Providence.
What a model he is for interior souls! God speaks to them incessantly, be it through the Church or their superiors, or through virtuous thoughts, pious desires and inspirations, which are an aid to the faithful discharge of the duties of their holy state. We will learn from the example of the Holy Family to entrust ourselves to Divine Providence where and under what circumstances, it shall please God to place us through our superiors, who represent God Himself in our regard. It may seem difficult, well-nigh impossible, to adapt ourselves to new surroundings, but let us resist this first impression vigorously. After some effort, the victory will be ours. Would it not be dangerous, therefore, to entertain wishes concerning changes in our position or our office? Such desires spring from inconstancy aided by self-will and pure imagination. In order to detach them from earthly things and ground them in virtue it pleases the Lord frequently to try His elect in this regard. “Seek ye, therefore, first the kingdom of God and His justice, and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matt. 6, 33). We shall, probably, receive more than we dare hope for, and from a source whence we least expect it. The measure of our surrender to God and our trust in Him will always be for Him the measure of His graces and favors.
What is my conduct when obedience directs me to leave places or occupations grown dear to me, or to do what is contrary to nature?
SECOND POINT
THE HOLY FAMILY CHOOSE TO DWELL AT NAZARETH
According to the directions of the angel, the Holy Family should go to the land of Israel, but the exact spot was not designated. St. Joseph dreads to return to Judea because Archelaus now reigned in the place of his father Herod. He seeks the necessary light in his doubt with God in fervent prayer, and receives the direction, in sleep, to repair to the country of Galilee.
Let us learn, from the example of St. Joseph, always to act circumspectly, and, in all doubts before making a decision, after mature deliberation, to have recourse to humble, fervent prayer. Though we may luckily have eluded one danger or conquered one temptation, we dare not, on that account, believe ourselves secure. Other dangers, other temptations may break in upon us, for the enemies of our salvation offer us no truce. We will, therefore, proceed cautiously and with a wholesome fear, so as to evade the snares spread for us by the wily serpent. If we notice danger, let us not presumptuously precipitate ourselves headlong into it, for, who loves danger shall perish in it. If, however, duty requires us to expose ourselves, then let us be armed with prayer and trust in God. Having received the direction to go to Galilee, the Holy Family choose the little, insignificant town of Nazareth for their home. Here, in silence and seclusion, Jesus wished to pass His youth. He always chose the lowly and unpretentious for Himself and imbued His holy Mother and His foster-father with His sentiments.
Can I claim to resemble Jesus, my Model and Exemplar? Do I not strive to elude humiliations instead of utilizing them to my advantage? Am I not immoderately concerned and solicitous for my honor? What insults should I, Thy spouse and disciple, offer Thee, my Divine Saviour, if in the religious state, in the garb of humility, I would tolerate in my heart the desire for honor and recognition!
Affections: What gratitude do I owe Thee, O my Jesus, for having set me in Thy life on earth, so many beautiful examples. Thy life is the way on which through patience and self-denial, we come to Thee, Who art our crown. Hadst Thou not gone before, and left us Thy example to guide us, how many, alas, would remain far behind, since even now, we are so lukewarm and negligent. O my Jesus, give me an ever greater understanding of Thy holy doctrine, that it may impel me to more fervent imitation of Thy patience and humility. Above all, give me Thy holy love, that guided by it through this earthly exile, I may attain to Thee, beloved Saviour, in my heavenly home.
Resolution: In all circumstances I will be guided solely by the principles of faith.
Spiritual Bouquet: “The just man liveth by faith.”
Prayer: Take, O Lord . . .
First Prelude: Picture the Holy Family, returning from Egypt.
Second Prelude: Give me grace, O my Saviour, to realize the necessity of being guided in all things solely by the light and principles of faith.
FIRST POINT
THE HOLY FAMILY SET OUT ON THEIR HOMEWARD JOURNEY
Fully resigned to the holy Will of God, Mary and Joseph started on their homeward journey, with the same readiness with which they had gone to Egypt. They had not once longed for their time of exile to be shortened; had it been the Will of God, they would cheerfully have endured the hardships and sufferings of their sojourn in Egypt yet longer. Had the angel not said to Joseph: “Be there until I shall tell Thee?” (Matt. 2, 13). Consequently, he abandoned himself entirely to the guidance of Divine Providence.
What a model he is for interior souls! God speaks to them incessantly, be it through the Church or their superiors, or through virtuous thoughts, pious desires and inspirations, which are an aid to the faithful discharge of the duties of their holy state. We will learn from the example of the Holy Family to entrust ourselves to Divine Providence where and under what circumstances, it shall please God to place us through our superiors, who represent God Himself in our regard. It may seem difficult, well-nigh impossible, to adapt ourselves to new surroundings, but let us resist this first impression vigorously. After some effort, the victory will be ours. Would it not be dangerous, therefore, to entertain wishes concerning changes in our position or our office? Such desires spring from inconstancy aided by self-will and pure imagination. In order to detach them from earthly things and ground them in virtue it pleases the Lord frequently to try His elect in this regard. “Seek ye, therefore, first the kingdom of God and His justice, and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matt. 6, 33). We shall, probably, receive more than we dare hope for, and from a source whence we least expect it. The measure of our surrender to God and our trust in Him will always be for Him the measure of His graces and favors.
What is my conduct when obedience directs me to leave places or occupations grown dear to me, or to do what is contrary to nature?
SECOND POINT
THE HOLY FAMILY CHOOSE TO DWELL AT NAZARETH
According to the directions of the angel, the Holy Family should go to the land of Israel, but the exact spot was not designated. St. Joseph dreads to return to Judea because Archelaus now reigned in the place of his father Herod. He seeks the necessary light in his doubt with God in fervent prayer, and receives the direction, in sleep, to repair to the country of Galilee.
Let us learn, from the example of St. Joseph, always to act circumspectly, and, in all doubts before making a decision, after mature deliberation, to have recourse to humble, fervent prayer. Though we may luckily have eluded one danger or conquered one temptation, we dare not, on that account, believe ourselves secure. Other dangers, other temptations may break in upon us, for the enemies of our salvation offer us no truce. We will, therefore, proceed cautiously and with a wholesome fear, so as to evade the snares spread for us by the wily serpent. If we notice danger, let us not presumptuously precipitate ourselves headlong into it, for, who loves danger shall perish in it. If, however, duty requires us to expose ourselves, then let us be armed with prayer and trust in God. Having received the direction to go to Galilee, the Holy Family choose the little, insignificant town of Nazareth for their home. Here, in silence and seclusion, Jesus wished to pass His youth. He always chose the lowly and unpretentious for Himself and imbued His holy Mother and His foster-father with His sentiments.
Can I claim to resemble Jesus, my Model and Exemplar? Do I not strive to elude humiliations instead of utilizing them to my advantage? Am I not immoderately concerned and solicitous for my honor? What insults should I, Thy spouse and disciple, offer Thee, my Divine Saviour, if in the religious state, in the garb of humility, I would tolerate in my heart the desire for honor and recognition!
Affections: What gratitude do I owe Thee, O my Jesus, for having set me in Thy life on earth, so many beautiful examples. Thy life is the way on which through patience and self-denial, we come to Thee, Who art our crown. Hadst Thou not gone before, and left us Thy example to guide us, how many, alas, would remain far behind, since even now, we are so lukewarm and negligent. O my Jesus, give me an ever greater understanding of Thy holy doctrine, that it may impel me to more fervent imitation of Thy patience and humility. Above all, give me Thy holy love, that guided by it through this earthly exile, I may attain to Thee, beloved Saviour, in my heavenly home.
Resolution: In all circumstances I will be guided solely by the principles of faith.
Spiritual Bouquet: “The just man liveth by faith.”
Prayer: Take, O Lord . . .
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