keep thee in all thy ways." (Ps. xc. 11.) Follow this conduct, and not your own ways, and you will always live in security.
III. "He arose, and took the child and His mother by night." Reflect on the perfect obedience of St. Joseph, He submitted his judgment, although he might have made many objections against so sudden a departure. He immediately conformed his will, notwithstanding the many difficulties which presented themselves. He promptly and accurately executed the command; he rose that very night, and left all he had, uncertain when he was to return. He performed all this with cheerfulness, because he knew that he was doing the will of God. Compare your obedience with his, and reform whatever is faulty in it. Conform to so bright an example.
WEDNESDAY.
Christ's Flight into Egypt.— III.
I. "And they retired into Egypt." (Matt. ii. 14.) They commenced their journey without delay. Ponder the tender affections and compassion of the mother for her Child, who even in His infancy began to train Himself to suffer inconveniences and hardships. She resigned herself, notwithstanding, to the will of God. Reflect, also, how this divine Infant offered himself freely to His eternal Father, even in His early days, for banishment and toils and misery. He rejoiced to go into Egypt, to sanctify it by His presence and to destroy its idols. " Behold, the Lord will enter into Egypt, and the idols of Egypt will be moved at His presence." (Is. xix. 1.) Beseech Him to sanctify you in the holy Eucharist, and to destroy the idols of your vicious affections.
