From the responsorial psalm: “Had not the LORD been with us— When men rose up against us, then would they have swallowed us alive, When their fury was inflamed against us. Our soul has been rescued like a bird from the fowler’s snare.”
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (Mt 2:13-18)
When the magi had departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I tell you. Herod is going to search for the child to destroy him.” Joseph rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed for Egypt.
Matthew describes the events surrounding the flight of the Holy Family into Egypt to escape King Herod’s decree to kill all male infants in Bethlehem. An attempt to maintain absolute control, Herod’s decree to kill all male children two years old and under reveals the brutality that results from attempting to control and maintain political power and authority. In contrast to this, Joseph’s obedience to the angel’s command reflects his submission and obedience to God’s divine guidance. Without a single word, Joseph rises from sleep and immediately takes Mary and the Christ Child, fulfilling the prophecy “Out of Egypt I have called my son.” Even in his infancy, Jesus reveals that the path of the Messiah is not one of power and control but complete reliance on God’s divine protection in the face of suffering and adversity.
God, help me recall throughout the day how Joseph responded to the command of an angel. In the face of the unfolding tragedy, he did not question the angel or wake up Mary and confer with her about what the command might mean and whether it was literal. Just as you spoke to Joseph through the message of an angel, I want to be attentive to do what is good in accordance to your will. For me to do that, I have to have ears open to hearing you and a heart that trusts in your divine guidance and protection. Give me the grace to find quiet throughout the day so that I can hear and obey your will. Help me trust that the same God who protected the Holy Family is mine to turn to with absolute faith and trust. Holy Innocents, martyrs, pray for us!
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.