20th Meditation.
"And
Joseph remained in Egypt until the death of Herod."
-Saint Matthew ii. 15.
Another of those words which
indicate more than appears at first sight. He was there: Erat ibi; but what was
his position and how did he live? Picture to yourself a poor artisan all at
once transported to a foreign land, where he knows no one, is known of none, is
without means, tools, work, or home. Ah! what are the anxieties and
inconveniences of Bethlehem compared with the cares and sufferings of Egypt? At
Bethlehem they at least knew the extent of their sojourn, it was but for a few
days; but of their stay in Egypt they know nought, neither can they even
conjecture the duration of their exile.
"Remain there,"
said the Angel, "until I return." In face of a future so uncertain,
it is vain to think of any permanent abode; and yet, with all the
inconveniences inseparable from a temporary sojourn, that sojourn will last for
years.
Who can tell the sadness
experienced by the Holy Family at sight of the idolatry of Egypt? In presence
of this sorrow all the privations of exile grow pale and vanish. God ignored,
God offended, souls lost, ah! what grief to the heart of Jesus, and therefore
to the hearts of Mary and Joseph also!
The Holy Family in Egypt is a
type of the Church in the world. The Church is there: the Pope is there: Et
erat ibi, always threatened by Herod and awaiting the tyrant's death: Usque ad
obitum Herodis.
Such, too, is the situation
of those persons and societies who dedicate themselves to God's service. In the
ages of faith they built for the future; but now times are changed. A work is
commenced, and to-morrow the breath of Revolution or a tyrant's caprice stays
your projects or destroys your undertaking. Labour on in spite of this, and
carry on the works God has inspired you to commence. But trust not to man, but
depend on God alone. Watchword. Work, but be ready to quit it at the first
intimation that such is God's will.
20. The Deserted Pilgrims.
Cecile Portaro and a few of
her companions made a pilgrimage to Notre-Damede-Drépane, in Sicily. The boat
which should have brought them back started without them, and they were left
ashore, far from Palermo, and without shelter for the night. Great was the
consternation of the little band. Cecile invoked Saint Joseph, and almost
immediately, an old man and child arrived; the former, touched by the anxiety
of the holy maidens, offered to show them the way, and the child took charge of
their scanty baggage. "Good man," said Cecile, "surely Saint
Joseph has sent you; but we have a long way to go." "Where to?"
replied the old man. "To Palermo, Rue Saint Joseph." "That is my
street," rejoined the old man, and they continued their route. As soon as
the little caravan had arrived at the place of their destination, the old man
set down the luggage. The travellers turned round to thank him, but both old
man and child had vanished, and Cecile felt sure they could be no others than
Saint Joseph and the Infant Jesus.
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