“An angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and instructed him, “Arise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt. Remain there until I tell you. Herod seeks the child to kill him.” Therefore, he got up, took the child and his mother, and departed that night for Egypt.” (Matthew 2:13-14)
Meditation: The Holy Family as Refugees
“Joseph, Mary and Jesus experience the tragic fate of refugees, full of fear, uncertainty, and discomfort (cf Matthew 2:13-15, 19-23). Unfortunately, in this day and age, millions of families can identify with this sad reality. Nearly every day, television and newspapers provide news about refugees fleeing hunger, war, and other serious dangers – in search of security and a decent life for themselves and their families.”
“Jesus wanted to belong to a family that experienced these difficulties because no one is excluded from God’s loving closeness. The flight into Egypt because of Herod’s threats shows us that God is where man is in danger, where man suffers, where he escapes, where he experiences rejection and neglect. But he is also where man dreams, hopes to return to his homeland in freedom, plans and chooses for his life and dignity and that of his family.” (Pope Francis, 29 December 2013)
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See the full image:
Charles Mahoney / The Flight into Egypt / Mural / c.1942-1952 / Lady Chapel, Campion Hall, Oxford (reproduced courtesy of the Master and community)
Lo & Behold 
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