One night, as Joseph slept, a vision came
before his eyes. He saw an Angel, who bade him
rise and take the Child Jesus and His Mother and
fly into Egypt. Without a moment's delay he arose
quickly, called Our Lady, put together what was
necessary for the journey, and started ere the early
dawn appeared in the sky. His heart was torn
with sorrow, but, like a true son of obedience, he
hesitated not for a single moment, but accepted all
as coming from the hand of God.
Long and perilous was the journey, many were
the sufferings of the Holy Family. Perils in the
desert, perils from the robbers who beset the road,
perils from the wild beasts, perils from exposure
to the sun by day and to the cold by night. Sorrowful
indeed was St. Joseph's heart, as he trudged
on day by day leading the ass on which Our Lady
rode. Sorrowful not for his own sake, but because
of the anxiety he felt for the safety of the precious
treasure committed to him. Sorrowful at the
thought of all they were suffering, and would suffer
during their exile.
At last they arrived at the destination God had
fixed for them, and here St. Joseph earned a scanty
livelihood day by day by his trade as carpenter.
How uncongenial were all around them! They
were among those who knew not the true God,
oppressors, idolaters and pagans. No murmur ever
escaped St. Joseph's lips; he was willing to wait in
Egypt as long as God pleased. Do I submit with
obedience to all that God commands through
my superiors or through the arrangement of His
Providence, without murmuring or complaining?