In his General Audience, Pope Francis discussed St. Joseph's courageous decision to flee persecution by taking the Holy Family to Egypt. He says that Joseph's example “shows us how to respond to our own challenges and difficulties with virtuous love, courageously trusting in God’s providence.”
The Pope then asked those present to pray for these who are forced to flee their homelands, just as the Holy Family was, and that they be blessed with the courage of St. Joseph.
SUMMARY OF THE POPE'S CATECHESIS IN ENGLISH:
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
In our continuing catechesis on Saint Joseph, we now consider Joseph’s courage in the face of persecution. Like many of our brothers and sisters facing injustice or violence today, Joseph and Mary were forced to migrate from their homeland, in order to flee the wrath of King Herod.
Deceived by the Magi as to the precise location of Christ’s birth, Herod sought to kill all the male children in Bethlehem of two years or younger. In response to the message of an angel, Joseph courageously took the Holy Family on the perilous journey to Egypt. On their return to the land of Israel, Joseph led them to Galilee to set up home in Nazareth, safe from the threat of Herod’s successor.
While Herod embodies cruelty, arrogance and aggression, Joseph, by contrast, shows us how to respond to our own challenges and difficulties with virtuous love, courageously trusting in God’s providence.
As we recall the fortitude and love shown by Joseph in the flight into Egypt, let us pray for all those who, like the Holy Family, find themselves forced to flee their homelands, that they will be blessed with the courage of Saint Joseph.
I greet the English-speaking pilgrims and visitors. In the peace of our Lord Jesus Christ, may each of you, and your families, cherish the joy of this Christmas season, and so draw near in prayer to the Saviour who has come to dwell among us. May God bless you!
JM
