MATTHEW 2:13-15
THE FLIGHT OF HOLY FAMILY TO EGYPT
INTRODUCTION
Matthew 2:13-15 recounts the Flight of the Holy Family to Egypt, a pivotal event in the early life of Jesus Christ. This passage describes how an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, instructing him to take Mary and the infant Jesus and flee to Egypt to escape King Herod’s murderous plot. Obediently, Joseph arose, and by night, they departed for Egypt, where they stayed until Herod’s death. This fulfillment of prophecy, “Out of Egypt I called my son” (Hos 11:1), underscores God’s divine protection and guidance for His Son, ensuring the safety and future mission of Jesus.
Matthew 2:13 “Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, ‘Rise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there till I tell you; for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.'”
This passage is rich with theological significance:
1. Divine Protection and Guidance
The appearance of the angel to Joseph signifies God’s direct intervention and protection over the Holy Family. This divine guidance is a recurring theme in the Bible, where God often communicates His will and provides protection through angels (e.g., Gen 19:15, Ex 23:20). The Catholic Church teaches angels are messengers of God, acting to fulfill His divine plan (CCC 332). In Psalm 91:11, it is written, “For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.”
2. Joseph’s Obedience and Role
Joseph’s immediate obedience to the angel’s command highlights his righteousness and faithfulness. He is often seen as a model of virtue and trust in God’s plan. The Catholic Church venerates St. Joseph as a protector of the Church, drawing parallels between his protection of the Holy Family and his spiritual protection of the Church (Redemptoris Custos, 1). His immediate compliance with God’s will, despite the difficulties, reflects his deep trust in God. This is reminiscent of the obedience of the patriarchs, such as Abraham, who also responded promptly to God’s directives (Gen 12:1-4).
3. Fulfillment of Prophecy
The flight to Egypt fulfills the prophecy from Hosea 11:1, “Out of Egypt I called my son.” This fulfillment is crucial in demonstrating that Jesus is the awaited Messiah, who embodies the history and destiny of Israel. The Catholic Church sees the Old Testament prophecies as prefigurations of Christ’s life and mission (Dei Verbum, 16). The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 527) explains that “Jesus’ circumcision, on the eighth day after his birth, is the sign of his incorporation into Abraham’s descendants, into the people of the covenant. It is the sign of his submission to the Law and his deputation to Israel’s worship, in which he will participate throughout his life.”
4. Herod’s Malice and the Innocents
Herod’s intent to kill Jesus reflects the opposition and hostility that Christ would face throughout His life. The massacre of the innocents is a tragic event that underscores the cost of sin and the reality of evil in the world. The Church commemorates these innocent victims as martyrs, recognizing their suffering as a participation in Christ’s own suffering (Feast of the Holy Innocents, December 28). This event foreshadows the persecution that Jesus and His followers would endure. It also illustrates the struggle against sin and the powers of darkness, as seen in Revelation 12:4-6, where the dragon seeks to devour the child born to the woman.
Reflection
This passage invites Christians to reflect on the themes of trust, obedience, and divine protection. Joseph’s unwavering faith and immediate action in response to God’s command serve as an example for all believers. It also reminds us of the constant presence and guidance of God in our lives, even in times of danger and uncertainty. The flight to Egypt, a place of refuge, can also symbolize our need to seek spiritual refuge in God during times of trial. It reminds us that God is always with us, guiding and protecting us through the challenges of life.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the example of St. Joseph, who trusted and obeyed Your will without hesitation. Help us to follow his example of faith and righteousness. We ask for Your protection and guidance in our lives, especially in moments of fear and uncertainty. May we always trust in Your divine plan and remain faithful to Your commands. Protect all families, especially those who are in danger or fleeing from harm. We pray this in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Matthew 2:14 “So Joseph got up and, taking the child and his mother with him, left that night for Egypt.”
This event fulfills the prophecy found in Hosea 11:1, “Out of Egypt I called my son,” which Matthew explicitly connects to Jesus in Matthew 2:15.
Interpretation
In Catholic theology, this passage is rich with typological significance, meaning it draws connections between Old Testament events and their fulfillment in the New Testament. The flight into Egypt is seen as a parallel to the story of Israel’s exodus from Egypt. Just as Israel, God’s “firstborn son” (Ex 4:22), was called out of Egypt, so too is Jesus, the true Son of God, called out of Egypt. This typology emphasizes Jesus as the new Israel and the fulfillment of the Old Covenant.
According to Haydock’s Catholic Bible Commentary, it is probable that Joseph, Mary, and Jesus settled in a part of Egypt where many Jews lived, such as Alexandria. This commentary highlights the historical context, noting that the Jewish presence in Egypt dates back to the time of the prophet Jeremiah and is mentioned in various biblical texts (e.g., Acts 2:10).
Joseph’s immediate obedience to the angel’s command to flee to Egypt with Mary and the infant Jesus illustrates his role as the protector of the Holy Family. His actions reflect a deep trust in God’s guidance, a theme consistent with his character throughout the Gospel narratives. His willingness to act without hesitation, even in the face of danger, underscores the importance of faith and responsiveness to God’s will.
Theological Significance
Theologically, this event underscores several key points:
1. Divine Providence: The angel’s warning to Joseph and the subsequent flight into Egypt show God’s protective care over the Holy Family. This aligns with the Catholic understanding of God’s providence in guiding and protecting His people.
2. Fulfillment of Prophecy: Matthew’s Gospel frequently highlights how Jesus fulfills Old Testament prophecies. This fulfillment is not merely about predicting future events, but showing how Jesus embodies and completes the story of Israel.
3. Jesus as the New Moses: By paralleling the life of Jesus with that of Moses, who also escaped a massacre of infants (Ex 1:22-2:10), Matthew presents Jesus as the new lawgiver and deliverer, further establishing His messianic role.
This verse emphasizes the virtues of obedience, trust, and the importance of familial protection. The Holy Family’s journey to Egypt is also seen as a precursor to Jesus’ mission to gather all nations, symbolizing the universality of His salvation.
Catechism References
1. Divine Providence (CCC 302-314): The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that God governs creation with wisdom and love, leading all creatures to their ultimate perfection. Joseph’s flight into Egypt is a manifestation of divine providence, protecting Jesus so He can fulfill His salvific mission.
2. The Holy Family (CCC 533-534): This passage also illuminates the hidden life of the Holy Family, which serves as a model of domestic life. Their unity and trust in God’s plan are exemplary for all Christian families.
Reflection
As Christians, the flight into Egypt invites us to reflect on our own journeys and the times we seek refuge from the “Herods” in our lives – those forces that threaten our spiritual well-being. It also reminds us of the importance of trusting in God’s providence and protection, even when the path is uncertain and fraught with danger.
Joseph’s response to the angel’s message is a powerful example of unwavering faith and obedience. In our own lives, we often face challenges and uncertainties. Just as Joseph trusted in God’s plan and took immediate action, we too are called to trust in God’s guidance and be ready to act according to His will. The Holy Family’s flight into Egypt reminds us of the importance of protecting our own families and being attentive to God’s call, even when it leads us into unfamiliar or difficult situations.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ, who, like Israel, was called out of Egypt to fulfill Your divine plan. Help us to trust in Your providence and guidance in our own lives. Protect us from the dangers and trials that threaten our faith, and give us the courage to follow Your will, even when it leads us into unknown and challenging places. May we always find refuge in Your loving care and be ever mindful of Your presence in our lives. Amen.
Matthew 2:15 “He stayed there until the death of Herod, that what the Lord had said through the prophet might be fulfilled, ‘Out of Egypt I called my son.’”
According to Haydock’s Catholic Bible Commentary, St. Jerome acknowledges that while Hosea’s words were originally about Israel, they also mystically refer to Jesus Christ. The captivity of Israel in Egypt symbolizes the slavery of sin, and their deliverance by Moses prefigures humanity’s redemption through Christ. Thus, Jesus’ return from Egypt fulfills this prophecy in a more profound sense, highlighting His divine sonship and mission to redeem humanity from sin.
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) also emphasizes that Matthew’s use of Hosea 11:1 shows how Jesus relives the experiences of Israel. Just as Israel was called out of Egypt to become God’s chosen people, Jesus is called out of Egypt to fulfill His role as the Savior. This typological reading underscores the continuity between the Old and New Testaments and the fulfillment of God’s salvific plan through Jesus.
Historical and Theological Context
Matthew 2:15 refers to the Holy Family’s flight to Egypt to escape King Herod’s wrath and the subsequent return after Herod’s death. This event fulfills the prophecy from Hosea 11:1, “When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son.” In this context, Matthew draws a parallel between Jesus and the people of Israel. Just as Israel was called out of Egypt in the Exodus, Jesus is called out of Egypt, signifying a new beginning for God’s people.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that “The entire life of Christ was a continual teaching: his silences, his miracles, his gestures, his prayer, his love for people, his special affection for the little and the poor, his acceptance of the total sacrifice on the cross for the redemption of the world, and his resurrection are the actualization of his word and the fulfillment of Revelation” (CCC 561). Jesus’ journey to and from Egypt is part of this revelation, showing his identity as God’s Son and the new Israel.
Reflection
Matthew 2:15 invites us to reflect on the profound connection between the Old and New Testaments. The story of Israel’s deliverance from Egypt is not just a historical event but a foreshadowing of the ultimate deliverance brought by Jesus Christ. As Christians, we are called to recognize how our own lives are part of this ongoing story of redemption. Just as Jesus was called out of Egypt to fulfill His mission, we too are called out of the “Egypts” in our lives—places of sin, fear, and bondage—to live in the freedom and grace of God’s love.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ, who came to fulfill the prophecies and bring salvation to all. Help us see the connections between the Old and New Testaments and to understand the depth of Your plan for our redemption. May we, like Jesus, respond to Your call and leave behind the places of sin and bondage in our lives. Grant us the grace to live as Your beloved children, walking in the freedom and light of Christ. Amen.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, the Flight of the Holy Family to Egypt, as recounted in Matthew 2:13-15, is a powerful testament to divine protection, obedience, and the fulfillment of prophecy. This event not only safeguarded the life of the infant Jesus but also symbolically echoed Israel’s history, reinforcing Jesus’ role as the new Israel and the true Son of God. Joseph’s immediate response to God’s directive exemplifies unwavering faith and trust in divine guidance, offering a model of virtue and righteousness for all believers. The fulfillment of Hosea’s prophecy through this journey underscores the continuity and depth of God’s salvific plan, intertwining the Old and New Testaments in a profound narrative of redemption.
Reflecting on this passage invites us to contemplate our own faith journeys. Just as the Holy Family found refuge and protection in Egypt, we too can seek and find refuge in God’s providence during times of trial and uncertainty. This story encourages us to remain steadfast in our obedience to God’s will, trusting that His plans, though sometimes leading us into unfamiliar and challenging situations, are always for our ultimate good. As we navigate our own “Egypts,” may we be ever mindful of God’s unwavering presence and guidance, drawing strength from the example of St. Joseph and the Holy Family.
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ, whose journey to and from Egypt fulfills Your divine plan. Help us to trust in Your providence and guidance in our own lives, just as St. Joseph did. Protect us from the dangers and trials that threaten our faith, and give us the courage to follow Your will, even when it leads us into unknown and challenging places. May we always find refuge in Your loving care and be ever mindful of Your presence in our lives. Amen.