St. Matthew 2:19-22: Behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in
a dream to Joseph in Egypt, saying, “Arise, and take the child and His mother,
and go into the land of Israel, for those who sought the child’s life are
dead.” So he arose and took the child and his mother, and went into the land of
Israel.
Pope St. John Paul II, Redemptoris Custos: And
so Jesus' way back to Nazareth from Bethlehem passed through Egypt. Just as
Israel had followed the path of the exodus "from the condition of
slavery" in order to begin the Old Covenant, so Joseph, guardian and
cooperator in the providential mystery of God, even in exile watched over the
one who brings about the New Covenant.
St. Matthew 2:22-23: But hearing that Archelaus was reigning in Judea in place of his father Herod, Joseph was afraid to go there; and being warned in a dream, he withdrew into the region of Galilee. And he went to a town called Nazareth.
j. rodrigues:
This
passage from Matthew (2:22-23) is often passed over quickly without a word or
thought, but I believe that even this scene merits mention. In it we find that
Joseph is afraid to return to Judea with his family, fearing that Herod’s
successor would seek to destroy his Son. Though St. Joseph has faith he still
has a temporal fear which is a part of the human condition and the Heavenly
Father understands this. So once again He sends His messenger to instruct
Joseph on what he is to do.
This mention of Joseph’s fear speaks volumes not
only about our human frailties but also of God’s compassion. The Heavenly
Father allows Joseph to have, to a certain extent, self reliance even if it
allows for him to fear. But the Lord is merciful, and so He sends his
messenger to advise Joseph on the course he should take, to bring his family safely
out of exile.
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