Reflection

But why was the Christ child sent into Egypt? The text makes this clear: he was to fulfil what had spoken by the prophet, "Out of Egypt have I called my son." From that point onward we see that the hope of salvation would be proclaimed to the whole world. Babylon and Egypt represent the whole world. God signified that he intended to correct and amend both Babylon and Egypt. God wanted humanity to expect his bounteous gifts the world over. So he called from Babylon the wise men and sent to Egypt the holy family. We are warned from the beginning to look out for temptations and plots. And we see this even when he came in swaddling clothes. Thus you see even at his birth a tyrant raging, a flight ensuing and a departure beyond the border. F or it was because of no crime that his family was exiled into the land of Egypt.

Similarly, you yourself need not be troubled if you are suffering countless dangers. Do not expect to be celebrated or crowned promptly for your troubles. Instead you may keep in mind the long-suffering example of the mother of the Child, bearing all things nobly, knowing that such a fugitive life is consistent with the ordering of spiritual things.

You are sharing the kind of labour Mary herself shared. So did the magi. Both were willing to retire secretly in the humiliating role of fugitive.
—John Chrysostom, Gospel of Matthew: Homily 8.2.

Prayer

We remember today, O God, Herod's slaughter of the infants of Bethlehem. Receive into the arms of your mercy all victims of violence, by your great might frustrate the designs of evil tyrants, and establish your rule of justice, love, and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

Vox in Rama, by George Kirbye (1570-1634), reconstructed by Ross Duffin. Quire Cleveland.