When the Holy Family had crossed the desert
and arrived at the place of their abode in Egypt,
tradition records a miracle. The idols in the
temples are said to have fallen prostrate on the
very night of their arrival. The news filled Joseph's
heart with joy. The one thought of Joseph's life
was to further the influence of Jesus. His one
joy was to see Jesus overcome His enemies and
gather to Him men of good-will.
This joy of St. Joseph in the power of the
Son of God was a recompense for the sorrow he
felt at his apparent helplessness when he was
commanded to carry Him down to Egypt. Then it
seemed as if He were utterly feeble against His
enemies, but now the omnipotence of His Divinity
manifests itself by unmistakable signs. So it is with
those who trust in God under difficult circumstances.
It seems as if He were unable or unwilling
to save them, but He will reward their patient
confidence by some glorious surprise they had not
even ventured to hope for.
Christ's task is always to destroy idols. In
my heart there are many idols: sloth, sensuality,
selfishness, impatience, anger, neglect of religious
duties, unkindness to others, self-love, disobedience,
and worst of all, pride. If Jesus is to dwell with
me these idols must be overthrown, and above all,
pride. It is a difficult task, so long have they held
sway there. O good St. Joseph, bring with thee
Jesus and His love, and cast down for me these
hateful intruders that Jesus hates.