+JMJ
As I was mediating on the Flight into Egypt, I seemed to focus on the journey itself. The difficult travel to Egypt through the desert. They didn’t have another person to rely on for help. Or maybe they traveled with someone who was difficult to travel with. The Lord shows me that this difficult journey is often necessary for the salvation of others.
The Flight Into Egypt
And after they were departed, behold an angel of the Lord appeared in sleep to Joseph, saying, “Arise, and take the child and His Mother, and fly into Egypt, and be there until I shall tell thee. For it will come to pass that Herod will seek the child to destroy Him.
Who arouse, and took the child and His Mother by night and retired into Egypt. And He was there until the death of Herod. -Matthew 2:13-14
My Contemplation
I imagine St. Joseph traveling with the Blessed Virgin Mary and the tiny infant Jesus. They walk urgently, but quietly.
As they are traveling they come across another man traveling by camel. He is alone and takes no heed when St. Joseph politely greets him. The fellow traveler remains silent and distant.
They all come upon a well and decide to stop to water their animals. St. Joseph takes the infant Jesus from Mary so she can dismount form the donkey. The donkey begins to act up, distressed, and St. Joseph cannot help her with the baby in his arms.
St. Joseph beckons the other traveler for help, who begrudgingly comes over, thinking he would grab the donkey. St. Joseph hurriedly places the infant in his arms and turns to assist Mary.
As soon as the infant is placed in his arms, he gazes down upon the precious face of our Savior. He is changed in an instant. All coldness melts from his heart and he is filled with the love the tiny infant is in the world.
Sometimes we have to walk with people that are difficult to travel with. But the Lord shows me here, that I might very well be in the position to place the infant Jesus in their arms. To show them that precious love that the infant Jesus brought into the world. The precious infant that changed the world and is capable of changing hearts too.
Thrive in Jesus, my Friends!
How has the Lord use to change those around you? Leave a comment and let me know!
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