Reflection
The Holy Family knew what it was to live in exile. In a place where it is difficult to be well understood.
They returned to the country where Moses had led the people out of slavery. They lived in a country with a very different culture. But as Matthew tells us in the Gospel passage, these traumatic happenings were all part of God’s plan.
If you have suffered trauma in your life, can you see this in any way as part of God’s plan, or something that makes you wiser or more compassionate to others?
Today’s Prayer
Preparation: Begin by stilling; then dedicating the time of prayer to God and asking God that all you think, feel and imagine are for the glory of God.
Gift: Ask for what you desire. Suggestion: To know Jesus more clearly, love him more dearly, and follow him more nearly.
Setting: A Scripture reading to ponder – Lectio Divina or imagine you are part of the scene.
Scripture
Matthew 2:13-15 WEB
Now when the wise men had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, “Arise and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and stay there until I tell you, for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.”
He arose and took the young child and his mother by night and departed into Egypt, and was there until the death of Herod, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying, “Out of Egypt I called my son.”
Conversation: Talk to Jesus in your own words as a friend
Final Prayer: End with a formal prayer such as the Lord’s Prayer/Our Father.
Today’s Music
Flight into Egypt: Irish traditional played by Nightnoise