Mary’s Second Sorrow: The Flight into Egypt and Trusting God in Exile
Meditation:
In the Holy Family’s flight to Egypt, we witness Joseph’s obedience to God and the prototype of true fatherhood. Blessed Joseph, ever vigilant, leads his family to safety. His watchfulness and strength amid persecution—when tyrants prey upon the innocent—are virtues of a God-fearing man. Likewise, all Christians must guard their hearts against unclean spirits, pride, worldly distractions, spiritual indifference, and any temptation that leads them away from the truth of the Gospel.
Amidst this trial, Scripture does not record the disposition of the Theotokos (God-Bearer), but her silence itself speaks volumes. It is this silence that countless saints have clung to—the unwavering stillness of the Mother of God, our anchor in life’s storms. The Immaculata (Mary, without stain) embodies the words of Deuteronomy 31:6:
Be strong and courageous… for the LORD your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.’ She knew the hand of God was guiding them, even in exile.
We encounter a profound mystery: the One who gives us life humbles Himself to the point of dependence, seeking refuge in His own creation. Mary, our Steadfast Protectress not only protects the Christ Child but also finds herself in need of protection, entrusting both herself and her Son to the care of Joseph and El Roi, the God who sees us.
“El Roi” is the name Hagar (Genesis 16:13) gave to the Lord who found her in the wilderness, assuring her that both she and her son were not forgotten. As the Father led her, so too did He lead Jesus out of Egypt, guiding and protecting the Holy Family until their return.
The Holy Family’s homily could be thus:
You, O LORD, are a shield for me, My glory [and my honor], and the One who lifts my head. (Psalm 3:3)
This moment is like a solar eclipse: the Sun (Christ) is momentarily hidden behind the Moon (Mary). She shields Him from the hands of thieves and reprobates. Yet from this darkness, our guiding light emerges. No longer concealed, Jesus and Mary shine forth, transfiguring our afflictions and dispelling our anxious thoughts.
Reflection:
Mother Mary, who fled into Egypt to protect your Son, help me find the strength and courage to seek safety and guidance when faced with uncertainty, and grant me the wisdom to make difficult decisions that honor God.
Little Litany:
For refugees, migrants, and displaced families, especially those fleeing war and persecution.
For children growing up without a homeland and parents making sacrifices for their survival.
(Lord Have Mercy)x2
Word from the Saints
“So your strength is failing you? Why don’t you tell your mother about it?…Mother! Call her with a loud voice. She is listening to you; she sees you in danger, perhaps, and she–your holy mother Mary–offers you, along with the grace of her son, the refuge of her arms, the tenderness of her embrace…and you will find yourself with added strength for the new battle.”
—Saint Josemaria Escriva
“O my beloved Queen, my hope, O Mother of God, protector of orphans and protector of those who are hurt, the savior of those who perish and the consolation of all those who are in distress, thou seest my misery, thou seest my sorrow and my loneliness. Help me—I am powerless; give me strength. Thou knowest what I suffer, thou knowest my grief: Lend me thy hand, for who else can be my hope but thee, my protector and my intercessor before God? I have sinned before thee and before all people. Be my Mother, my consoler, my helper. Protect me and save me, chase grief away from me, chase my lowness of heart and my despondency. Help me, O Mother of my God!”
— Fr. Arseny, Prayer from a Soviet Gulag
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