Dear
Parishioners and Friends,
It
must have been difficult for St. Joseph to hear the angel tell him, “Rise, take the child and his mother, and
flee to Egypt” (Matthew 2: 13). This is considered to be the 5th
sorrow of St. Joseph.
Jesus enters the world and immediately death
appears on the horizon. There is a threat against his life and the Holy Family
must leave the land of Israel and reverse the path taken by their ancestors and
return to Egypt for safety. Joseph had to find work, a home and provide for his
family in a foreign land. The cross marked his role as father from the very
beginning.
The 5th joy of St. Joseph is the overthrow
of the idols of Egypt. It was foreseen by Isaiah that the Lord would return to
Egypt: “Behold, the Lord is riding on a swift cloud and comes to Egypt; and
the idols of Egypt will tremble at his presence” (Isaiah 19: 1). The
Christ-child comes to turn the hearts of the Egyptians and all people from
their idols to the worship of the one, true God.
Prayer: St. Joseph, by thy
SORROW when told to fly into Egypt, and by thy JOY in seeing the idols
overthrown at the arrival of the living God, grant that no idol of earthly
affection may any longer occupy our hearts, but being like thee entirely
devoted to the service of Jesus and Mary, we may live and happily die for them
alone.
In
Christ,
Msgr.
Baker
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