The Second Sorrow of Mary: The Flight Into Egypt

When they had departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I tell you. Herod is going to search for the child to destroy him. Joseph rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed for Egypt. He stayed there until the death of Herod, that what the Lord had said through the prophet might be fulfilled, “Out of Egypt I called my son.”

-Matthew 2:13‒15

Mary, mother and disciple

Mary is forced to leave her home to travel with her family to a foreign land, fearful of persecution. We hear Jesus’ voice: “I was … a stranger, and you welcomed me.”

So many people and families around the world follow in Mary’s footsteps, fleeing war, disaster and persecution, seeking opportunities to work and live with dignity.

Questions to Guide Your Reflection:

1. When have I been a stranger in need of welcome?
2. When have I had the opportunity to welcome a stranger? How did I respond?