The Little Book of the Most Holy Child Jesus/Meditation V
MEDITATION V.
THE FLIGHT INTO EGYPT.
Grace to ask for: Forgiveness of injuries.
The cave of Bethlehem is left far behind.
No more is heard the hum of the crowds of Jerusalem or the singing in the Temple.
As far as the eye can see, the lone wilderness stretches round.
The noonday sun shines down with strong heat from the mid sky.
A small spring of cooling water has sprung up and made the grass to grow. It is like a green island in the midst of the great salt sea.
A few slight trees make a shelter here in this hot sandy plain.
Here rests the Holy Family, wearied by a long swift journey. All night have they travelled, and now it is the broad noonday.
Joseph is watchful still; for in those wild parts dwell beasts and still wilder men, robbers who make the traveller their prey.
Why is that tender Babe brought from home, from the land of His birth, out into this desert place?
Herod, the king, seeks to kill Him.
He who is Lord of heaven and earth, Creator and King of angels and of men, was called 'King of the Jews' by the wise men.
Herod the king is jealous. He is in fear of this little Babe. He seeks to slay the Child.
That He may not escape, he orders all the little ones of Bethlehem to die.
This little Child has come into the world to save His people; and not only has He not where to lay His head, but they seek to take His tender life with cruel sword.
So it is that, far away across that desert, where of old His people Israel wandered, He has to flee with Mary and Joseph into the strange dark land of Egypt.
Does He say, 'I will not save these men. They seek to shed My Blood, to take the life of Me, who came to be their life'?
'I will not save them'!
No. It is already in His Heart, 'Father, forgive them.'
The wilder their hate, the more tender His love.
Dear Child Jesus, I will bear no anger nor hatred in my heart.
I forgive all who have vexed me, or who have sought to do me harm.
Give me grace, for Thy dear sake, always to forgive, always to pray for those who may injure me or wish me ill.
Dear Mother Mary, it was sorrow, not anger, that filled thy heart. Thou couldst not but pray for the enemies of thy dear Son. Pray that I may have ever a forgiving heart.
Holy Joseph, pray for me.
Most Holy Child Jesus, save Thy children.