REFLECTION ON THE GOSPEL FOR FEAST OF
HOLY FAMILY
In Chapter 2, there are 4 stories
interwoven into the chapter namely 1. The Visit of the Magi, 2. The flight into
Egypt, 3. The Massacre of the Innocents and 4. The return from Egypt.
The Magi were
probably wise men who studied astrology, but later tradition portrays them as
kings, who because of their knowledge knew that the star that appeared for them
was something they had to follow. Their gifts of gold,
frankincense and myrrh symbolised Christ’s royalty, divinity and passion.
They listened to what Herod had to say
to them, giving him respect, but were not drawn into his dishonest behaviour,
since they seemingly seemed aware of his insincerity and fear.
It is interesting to note the reaction
of Herod who was governed by power and who
- felt threatened at the
possibility there may be another king (someone to threaten his job),
- played the game pretending
he wanted to worship also (sought out information about the threat and how
he might overcome the enemy).
The Magi however stayed focused on what
they came to seek- they were guided by the star, which filled them with delight
because it helped them find what they came to seek- Jesus, Mary and Joseph in
the manger. They were able to do him homage and offer their gifts.
We then encounter the flight into
Egypt. Joseph is not a procrastinator. He does what the angel tells him
without delay ' He got up and taking the child and his mother with him
left that night for Egypt. ‘One senses the urgency and the worry and the
fear of knowing that Herod wanted Jesus killed- not the type of start to being
the foster father of Jesus that Joseph may have hoped for. Yet, Joseph as
we know was a man of faith and believed in God's providence towards him and
Mary. His faith and obedience to God sustained him in this difficult journey.
The wise men and Joseph’s fear of Herod
are justified, as we read the next phase of chapter 2 where Herod has all male
children up to the age of 2 killed since he was outwitted by the wise men. He
took revenge because he did not get his own way and made as many people suffer
because of it.
Then in the final section of this
chapter is the story of Joseph returning with Mary and the baby from Egypt
after Herod’s death back to the land of Israel. However, as Herod’s son
had succeeded Herod, Joseph was warned in a dream not to go there but settled
in the region of Galilee- at Nazareth.
What can we learn for our lives from
these 4 connecting stories in this chapter?
ACTION PLAN FROM CHAPTER 2
This week as we reflect on chapter 2,
we may wish to:
- Stay focused and to give the
Christ child homage, by bending our knees and offering our gifts to Him.
We need to place God first in our lives at all times
- Be guided by the light of
the star of faith just as the wise men followed the signs given to them.
God gives us signs to follow through the church and the sacraments.
- Be attentive to what God is
telling us to do. We need to be pro-active and responsive as Joseph. Spend
some time in reflection to hear what God is speaking to us.
- Have compassion for parents
who suffer and grieve through loss of a baby/child either through miscarriage,
abortion or tragedy. We may wish to learn more about the issue of abortion
- Be alert and listen to the
stirrings of God within us, since He desires the best path for us.
