In a commentary on this Gospel passage, Ersamo Leiva-Merikakis, writes “The power of silence and hiddenness in the face of evil speaks here eloquently between the lines.” King Herod is the face of evil—terrorizing the land, seeking to “destroy” the child Jesus and any other young infant who was born around the same time as the Christ. Saint Joseph, on the other hand, reflects the face of God the Father. He, strong in his attentive silence, mighty in his attempts to protect and find refuge for Jesus and Mary, presents us with the final response to hatred: that is, love. “God does not choose the way of open confrontation or aggressive polemics,” continues Merikakis. Instead, “man will be saved,” “little by little, thanks to grace, in the vision of love and justice that God has of things.” The presence and activity of Herod is entirely opposed to the call of the Abba, in pursuit of his beloved children: “Out of Egypt I called my son.”
2:17 PM
Saint Joseph: The father who became prayer
This reflection considers Saint Joseph as a man who “became prayer,” whose listening obedience unites contemplation and action in the face of hatred and darkness
Br. Damiano Pio CFR
5 min read
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