Stations of the Manger 12

Stations of the Manger 12. The Flight to Egypt

January 7th

Nativity Scene: An empty manger is all that can be seen; no people or animals remain.

Scripture: (Matt: 2:13-15)
Now when they (the wise men) were departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, “Arise and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and stay there until I tell you: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.” And he arose and took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt; and was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying, “Out of Egypt did I call my son.”

Reflection: Sometimes, in order to serve God, we must “flee” for a while, so that we can rest and prepare for our next round of service to Him. Sometimes it is just not right to stay in a situation as it was with Joseph and his family. If we can’t change a situation, or it is such that it can’t be accepted, we must leave it. Not doing any of these three (changing the situation, accepting the situation, or leaving the situation) will probably bring us suffering. It may be better to pull back or go somewhere else to preserve or refresh oneself before reentering the secular fray. Jesus often went off alone to refresh himself, to reconnect with God – to “recharge” before he interacted with others again. If we listen carefully, the Holy Spirit will tell us when we need to withdraw for a while. When
24the time is right, she will call you back once again. God’s timing is always better than ours.

Prayer: God, Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference. Living one day at a time; enjoying one moment at a time; accepting hardship as the pathway to peace. Taking, as He did, this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it. Trusting that He will make all things right if I surrender to His Will;
that I may be reasonably happy in this life, and supremely happy with Him forever in the next.
Amen.

Hymn(s): God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen

Response: When you’re feeling a bit disconnected and “ungrounded,” it may be time to take a personal retreat for a day or two. Consider making a weekend retreat at your favorite retreat center or monastery. Or, set aside some “alone time” in your own home. Daily prayer time with God is rejuvenating. Anchor each day with morning and evening prayers and meditation.

Blessings to all,

Daniel-Joseph