tience and resignation; for "a man of resolution makes every country his own." (Cicero.)
TUESDAY.
Christ's Flight into Egypt— II.
I. " Behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in sleep to Joseph, saying, Arise and take the child and His mother, and fly into Egypt." (Matt. ii. 13.) Ponder the particulars of this command. 1. The angel commands in the name of God, who is the supreme Lord. 2. He delivers the command not to Mary, though she was the more worthy; but to Joseph, because he was the head of the family, and its ordinary superior. 3. He appeared to him in sleep, by which we learn, that even while we sleep the care of God is exerted over us, and He is continually watching for our good. 4. He tells him to take the Child and His mother, without mentioning anything else. Oh that Jesus and Mary were your only care! 5. He assigns them the place of their banishment. Learn, hence, not to choose for yourself, but receive everything in the ordinary way of God's providence, and as coming from His hands, in regard to place, employment, prosperity, and adversity.
II. Consider the words of the angel: "Be there until I shall tell thee." (Matt. ii. 13.) He could have told him, determinately, the time which he had to remain in Egypt; but God did not wish it to be known, in order that the Holy Family might depend more on His providence. Learn, hence, to depend exclusively on divine Providence, and not to be too solicitous for the future, in regard to what may or may not happen; for "the steps of man are guided by the Lord." (Prov. xx. 24.) "And He hath given His angels charge over thee, to
