12 And having received an answer in sleep that they should not return to Herod, they went back another way into their country. 13 And after they were departed, behold an angel of the Lord appeared in sleep to Joseph, saying: Arise, and take the child and his mother, and fly into Egypt: and be there until I shall tell thee. For it will come to pass that Herod will seek the child to destroy him. 14 Who arose, and took the child and his mother by night, and retired into Egypt: and he was there until the death of Herod: 15 That it might be fulfilled which the Lord spoke by the prophet, saying: Out of Egypt have I called my son.
(Matthew 2:12-15)
Two days ago we celebrated Sexagessima Sunday, so we've arrived at the last full week of the time that bridges us between Christmastide and Lent.
It seems right to travel now with little Jesus and his holy parents across the sands, away from the warm glow of the stable in Bethlehem. It's good to transition from celebration to preparation, rejoicing in the safety of the Holy Family, but remembering, not only the terror they left behind them, but the trials that lie before them. By St. Joseph's obedience to the message he received in a dream, we learn quick and unquestioning obedience to God's will. Their move from poverty and humble station to more poverty and humble station in an unknown land, we understand the priority God means us to place on earthly riches and prominence. We see the beauty and simplicity of self sacrifice. And true Faith in God's providence.
The miles and miles of sand that the Holy Family walked from Bethlehem to Egypt stretched right across the palm of God's hand.
* For information on the actual road from Bethlehem to the Holy Family's likely destination in Egypt, click here.
* There is a fascinating record of all the miles the Holy Family walked in their life times at this site.
* And here you can find out about some of their resting places along the way.
* If you have a few thousand dollars and a couple of weeks, you can take a tour following the Holy Family's route from Bethlehem to Egypt! Check it out. Wouldn't that be an amazing thing to do?
* Coloring Page here.
I am constantly amazed by the Holy family and the strength of Joseph - his quiet steadfastness. Thanks for this - the links here are fantastic!
ReplyDeleteI have always wished we knew more about St. Joseph...
ReplyDeleteGreat new header by the way...whose sneakers are those?
Squelly ~ I agree. St. Joseph is so wonderful ~ and ya just gotta know he's more wonderful than we even realize. I'm glad you enjoyed the links ~ we really got a lot out of them, too!
ReplyDeleteBia ~ those are my favorite sneakers. &:o) Not very elegant, but very practical...
I know the colors on the header are kind of somber, but, for some reason, they're very restful to me right now. I hope they're not depressing to anyone else! I expect I'll change it out come Lent, though.