“The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.” (Lk. 2:40). The divine wisdom with which Jesus was filled manifested itself by degrees. Although the plenitude of the divinity resided in him and he possessed all knowledge, nonetheless, he evinced nothing that was not common to other children. His modesty, his gentleness, his manners, his obedience, his application and assiduity in the labors enjoined him by St. Joseph were the marks by which he chose to show that the grace of God was in him, and that he was God.

On his countenance shone a certain majesty that won hearts. He exhibited a certain grace and carriage that earned him admiration. The Blessed Virgin never ceased to contemplate her Divine Son; her attention never wandered from the beloved object of her affections; all her thoughts related to him; her heart followed him everywhere. Joseph desired to carry out every wish of Jesus, but Jesus insisted that he has not come to be served, but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many (Mt. 20:28). Everyone who saw the child Jesus expressed to Mary and Joseph how blessed and fortunate they were to have such a child.

The holy family, however, were not without enemies, one of whom was Herod. After the visit and departure of the magi, the angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph, and told him to arise, take the child and his Mother, and flee to Egypt; for Herod sought the child to kill him. Joseph immediately arose, took the Infant and his Mother, and went into Egypt. (Mt. 2:13-14.).
Compassionate the sufferings and inconveniences to which the Infant Jesus was thus exposed, on account of his tender age. During the long, journey undertaken by the holy family, admire the obedience, patience, and humility of Joseph and Mary, and their perfect submission to the will of God under so great a trial. No sooner was the will of heaven made known to them to run for their lives and that of the child, than they abandoned all things—their relatives, their friends, their humble possessions; neither did they evince the slightest hesitation, or even anxiety, as to their means of subsistence in a foreign country.

Jesus was with them, and in him they possessed all things; he consoled them during their privation, and they trusted with perfect confidence in the care of Divine Providence, who never abandons those who trust in him. This was their support and their hope; Jesus was their wealth, their only treasure; with him they wanted for nothing, feared nothing. The presence of Jesus mitigated all their sorrows, and consoled them under all their sufferings.

If we wish to check the murmurs and complaints which continually rise in our hearts, when the Lord tries us by privations or sufferings, talk about it with Jesus. What needless pain we bear – all because we do not take it to the Lord in prayer. He will lighten our miseries, he will calm our sorrows, he will share our sufferings, he will dry our tears, and he put an end to our sighs. In a word, he will lighten our yoke and grant us trust and dependence on Divine Providence.

Let us pray. O Lord and Eternal God, invisible and immortal, I adore you, I confess your mercy, I magnify your works, I adore your infinite Essence and hold in reverence your mercies. O my God, you seek eternal life for me; I am thankful for your inestimable benefits and blessings to me. Grant that every moment of my life may give glory to you. O Eternal Goodness, do not relinquish your provident care and divine love for me, who has offended you so much; forgive me my sins, and grant me your graces, strength, and blessings anew. Through Christ our Lord Amen.