“departed for Egypt”
In today’s Gospel reading, St. Joseph flees Palestine for Egypt. When we think of people fleeing or retreating we think of individuals or people as scared, too weak to fight back, or simply lacking in courage. Whether there is a valid reason or not, we associate retreating with weakness and ultimately defeat. However, while we may retreat because we are weak, it doesn’t necessarily mean ultimate defeat. When we take the time to fall back, re-position, and rest, we can return stronger than ever to combat Satan.
Why did Joseph take his family to Egypt? Why is this important? St. Joseph left for Egypt because the Angel warned him in a dream to “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.” [1] St. Joseph shows his amazing faith in God by taking his family straight to Egypt [2] without a hint of hesitation or questioning. If God were to ask you to move away immediately, would you?
Egypt was a traditional place of refuge for people fleeing from danger in the Palestine area.[3] Matthew includes it in his Gospel to show the fulfillment of the Old Testament, “Out of Egypt I called my son” [4], from Hosea 11:1. During the Exodus, God’s chosen people, Israel, were called out of Egypt, and like Israel, Jesus would be called out of Egypt too when King Herod died. [5]
What is the difference between retreating and a retreat? A retreat is a withdrawal for a certain amount of time from our usual places, and to be secluded with God in prayer, mediation, and self-examination in order to make good holy decisions in our spiritual life. Like Jesus retreating in the desert for forty days [6], we too must take time out of our lives to refocus on what God wants of us. [7]
The Church officially introduced retreats during the Counter-Reformation led by St. Ignatius of Loyola. Today, priests and religious are required to go on retreat for a certain amount of days every year for their spiritual growth. [8]
What should a retreat do for us? As Pope Pius XI said that retreats were “where persons withdraw for a month, or for eight days, or for fewer, to put themselves into training for the perfect Christian life, may come into being and flourish everywhere more numerously” [9] Retreats are necessary for the perfect Christian life. To avoid retreats or to think that we don’t need a retreat may stem from pride, thinking that we are already “perfect” or good enough, or indicate a presumption that we are already going to Heaven and not in need of perfecting. There are numerous examples throughout history of times when pride has led to physical devastation, but spiritual pride and unwillingness to retreat in our lives can have even greater devastation—the destruction of our souls.
Why do we need to “retreat” sometimes? We need to fall back in order to gain strength. We are in constant battle with the Devil, the world, and the flesh. We must take time to recharge ourselves, and refocus on the importance of God.
How does a “retreat” or “falling back” help us? By falling back we realize that we are weak without God. When we go into battle alone we will be crushed. When we attempt to face the world alone, we can be bogged down by the weight of world. Are we carrying too much on our own? Going on retreat helps us to remember we can do nothing without God. We need to listen to the words of Christ, and follow his command when he says, “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give your rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.” [10]
How far back do we have to “retreat” spiritually? As far back as it takes us to be connected with God. We should take time out of our lives each year to go on retreat and regain strength, regain focus, and come in focus with what God wants of us.
[1] Matthew 2:13
[2] Matthew 2:14
[3] New American Bible Notes pg. 1064
[4] Matthew 2:15
[5] New American Bible Notes pg. 1064
[6] Matthew 4:1-2
[7] Catholic Dictionary pg. 466
[8] Catholic Dictionary pg. 466
[9] Constitution Declaring St. Ignatius Patron of All Spiritual Exercises, July 25, 1922
[10] Matthew 11:28-30