The Flight into Egypt
Manual of Devotions in Honour of the Seven Dolours, 1868
First Point
No sooner was Jesus born than He began to be persecuted by Herod, who then ruled over the Jews. This ambitious prince, hearing that the long-expected Messias was come into the world “to deliver His people, Israel,” was seized with envy and alarm. He feared lest this Saviour should supplant him in his authority and usurp his throne; therefore he sought to destroy him whilst he was yet a helpless babe. When the wise men came to Jerusalem from the east, enquiring “Where is He who is born King of the Jews?” Herod, thinking the time had arrived to rid himself of his supposed rival, called them privately, and learned diligently of them at what time the star which guided them from the East had first appeared: then, sending them into Bethlehem, he said: “Go, and diligently enquire after the child; and when you have found Him, bring me word again, that I also may come and adore Him.” He hoped, by this deceitful stratagem, to obtain possession of our Lord. But, like all God’s enemies, in the long run he deceived himself; for our Lord’s “time was not yet come ” to be betrayed and put to death. Continue reading