Joseph rose and took the child and his mother by night
and departed for Egypt.

matthew 2:14

Matthew 2:13-18

Reflection

An angel appears to Joseph in a dream and tells him to take the Holy Family to Egypt to avoid Herod, who wishes to kill Jesus. He obeys. Meanwhile, Herod orders the massacre of all boys in Bethlehem two years old and younger.

Again, we see Joseph being told in a dream instructions concerning the Holy Family, and he immediately obeys. Faced with a situation of life or death, he chooses God’s will. Although we may never face as severe or dangerous a situation, we can still be confronted with circumstances that ask us to choose our will or God’s.

In those instances, do we choose to act upon God’s will or our own? Although following his will may be more difficult, it is meant for our own good and to bring about greater trust in him and our growth in holiness – after all, God knows us better than we know ourselves!

If you have difficulty listening to, trusting, and following God’s will, ask him to increase your faith. Let Joseph’s example be your guide to the Lord.

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Saint of the Day

St. Anthony the Hermit: AD 468 – 520

St. Anthony was entrusted to the care of St. Severinus when he was young, and eventually became a monk. He was well known for his spirituality and many miracles. St. Anthony, pray for us!