Conclusion
Presentation in the Temple
FORTY days after birth, mother and child, as required by Hebrew law, should go to the temple—for the mother to be purified, and the child as first-born son to be presented in the Temple of Jerusalem.
The holy family, after a 5-mile journey of unusually severe cold weather, lodged for the night in the home of a devout couple.
On this night, an angel appeared to Simeon, a very old priest to whom the Holy Spirit revealed that he would not die until he had seen the promised Messiah.
The angel told Simeon to observe carefully the first child to be presented in the morning, for the child is the destined Savior.
In the morning, Simeon performed the rituals. Taking the child in his arms, he said: “Now Master, You may let Your servant go in peace according to Your word for my eyes have seen the salvation which You have prepared in the sight of all the peoples, a light for revelation to the gentiles and the glory for Your people Israel,” according to Luke 2: 29-32.
Then turning to Joseph and Mary, he said: “Jesus is destined for the rise and fall of many in Israel and to be a sign that will be contradicted and you yourself a sword will pierce,” addressing Mary as said in Luke 2:34.
The prophesied suffering of Jesus and Mary made Joseph extremely sad. He consoled himself with the thought their sufferings will be for the salvation of countless souls.
Flight to Egypt
On the fifth day after Jesus’ presentation in the temple, an angel 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,” according to Matthew 2:13.
For 10 days, the Holy Family journeyed in the great barren desert between Palestine and Egypt. On the first night, they slept in a cave along the regular caravan route. They passed through stretches of land “infested with many dangerous snakes which slithered toward them, reared up, hissing menacingly”.
According to mystics who described their journey extensively, they did not only suffer hunger, thirst and fatigue but were sometimes completely lost.
They prayed and sang hymns of praises to the Lord for direction and safety. Springs of water were suddenly flowing near, tall date trees bending for them to eat the fruits, birds perching on their shoulders chirping melodiously, friendly wild animals showing what way to take strengthened their faith as they traverse the desserts.
And when they arrived “the idols of Egypt trembled before him” they fell and were smashed to the ground, Isaiah 19:1 said.
Back to Israel
After King Herod’s death, an angel appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the child’s life are dead,” said in Matthew 2:20.
Fear, though, gripped him for Archaelaus, replaced his father Herod. The family departed for Galilee and settled in Nazareth.
Joseph, engaged in carpentry work and the young Jesus helped his father and mother whenever He could. Joseph enjoyed the peace and lived in security with Jesus and Mary.
Boy Jesus in the Temple
To celebrate the feast of the Passover, the Holy Family went to Jerusalem every year. Once in their return, Jesus was not with His parents, he stayed behind. Mary and Joseph thought He was with them in the caravan. When they found out He was not with relatives and acquaintances, they got worried and went back to Jerusalem, according to Luke 2:41-45.
After three days of searching they found Jesus in the temple, sitting among learned teachers, who were astounded at His ability to understand and answer questions, which was a great surprise to His parents.
Because of the great anxiety He caused them, His mother said: “Son, why have You done this to us? Your father and I have been looking for You?” “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” Luke 2:48-49 said.
Chaplet’s origin
Two Franciscan priests were caught by a storm in the coast of Flanders, Belgium. The vessel with 300 passengers sank.
With presence of mind, the two priests seized a plank, hold on to it while they were tossed by great waves. They prayed to Saint Joseph while floating on the waters for three days and nights. In such a terrifying condition, they continuously prayed to Saint Joseph for his assistance.
A young man of beautiful features appeared and led them safely to the harbor. When they inquired who he was, to acknowledge the great blessing, he introduced himself as Saint Joseph.
He advised them to recite seven times the Lord’s Prayer and Hail Mary in memory of his seven sorrows and seven joys. Then he disappeared.
• Santiago is a former regional director of the Department of Education National Capital Region. She is currently a faculty member of Mater Redemptoris Collegium in Calauan, Laguna, and Mater Redemptoris College in San Jose City, Nueva Ecija.