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TODAY’S WORD…

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An angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said,

“Get up, take the Child and His Mother, and flee to Egypt,

and remain there until I tell you;

for Herod is about to search for the Child, to destroy Him.”

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– Matthew 2:13 (NRSV)

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REFLECTION…

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These words were a “sign of the Cross” for Mary and Joseph,

who left Bethlehem hurriedly,

leaving behind many necessary items which they could not take with them on a long and difficult journey.

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They also had the dread of having to escape with the threat of death overshadowing them.

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The journey cannot have been a comfortable one:

walking for several days along unfriendly roads,

with the fear of being caught in their flight,

with tiredness and thirst.

It was an exhausting journey through desert regions.

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God the Father did not want to spare those He loved from this fatigue.

Perhaps this is so that we would understand that we can draw great benefit from difficulties.

Also, it makes us realise that being close to God does not mean being free from pain or problems.

What God has promised us

is the serenity and the fortitude to face up to them.

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REPETITIVE PRAYER FOR TODAY…

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Jesus my Saviour, I beg You, increase my faith and grant me fortitude.

Lamb of God, fill me with Your peace.

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… … … … … … … … … … … …

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Note: The main source of today’s REFLECTION is the seven-volume work

“In Conversation with God” by Padre Francisco Fernández Carvajal.