Today’s Gospel provides two accounts of important journeys.
The Holy Family flee for their lives to Egypt because of the persecution of king Herod who is about to slaughter the Holy Innocents. Joseph shows his trust in God when he listens to the angel who appears to him in a dream and takes action to protect his family. Mary and Joseph with Jesus, head south by the coastal road towards Gaza, the desert and Egypt. Parents will be able to imagine the fear of Mary for her child. Their future is unknown and they can depend only on each other and God. Their example serves to encourage and strengthen families who flee for their lives.
Later they travel back to Nazareth, the home town of Mary. Life is to be more stable and Joseph as carpenter will work as a carpenter. He would be like so many of the people in the Church who have traveled to find work in the building trade and on construction sites.
The flight into Egypt is a reminder that Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers and found a new life in the kingdom of the Pharaohs. Although this Joseph was a victim of betrayal in his family, God protected him and later reunited his family around him. We, as baptized, are called into God’s family and to serve, love and build our families in faith and prayer.
Today’s Solemnity is an invitation to give thanks to God for the gift of our families, especially when the family is scattered by distance and circumstance. God is working in our families to help us grow in faith. The family is the first school of love. Such love can be difficult when children are to be looked after, elderly parents cared for, and events bring tragedy into family life. The example of the first Joseph promises the hope of reconciliation when there is betrayal or division. The Holy Family can inspire our actions. We entrust our families to the care of the Holy Family.