Out into the darkness of the night went Jesus, Mary and Joseph. Can these homeless wanderers really be the three whose value in the eyes of Heaven made all the rest of the world insignificant as a grain of sand compared with a continent? Yes, this is God's way of treating those whom He loves best. Herod, in his luxurious palace, is feasting and revelling; Jesus, Mary and Joseph are shivering in the cold and stormy night. How foolish, then, to desire ease and comfort, or to regret the hardships that befall me!

Whither were they going? To Egypt, along an unknown road to a distant and idolatrous country; not knowing the way, not knowing how long they should find subsistence from day to day. What was the trial of Abraham compared with this? He went forth with an escort of servants and camels, and tents, and a store of good things; the Divine Son of God and His parents are empty-handed and alone. Picture with compassion the sufferings of the Holy Family on their perilous journey.

What were those sufferings? Often they knew not where to lay their heads, and had to sleep under the starry sky. Sometimes they were in danger from the rough bandits who infested the road. Sometimes the wild beasts howled around them. This was a model of the life of the Christian. Sometimes deprived of all spiritual sustenance and of all human consolation; sometimes fiercely attacked by men: sometimes by evil passions and the rage of Satan: yet always safe under the watchful care of God.