And after some time in Egypt, Herod dies. The angel again appears to Joseph in a dream, "[r]ise, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the child's life are dead." [Matthew 2:20] Just like the Israelites of the Old Testament went to safety in Egypt and then returned to the Promised Land, Joseph and his Family have been called to do likewise. The Old is made New, but so much more than that. The New includes God in the flesh. He has made His dwelling with us, within Joseph's Family.

However, journeys were always of concern. There are still robbers, but now Jesus is no infant able to be easily carried for the entire journey. He is likely able to walk and may be too heavy to carry for the entire journey. This makes the journey more difficult. The journey is not child-proof. This difficulty for the Holy Family is an anguish for Joseph. And now, they find out that Herod's son, Archelaus, is ruling over Judea. Would he want to continue his father's murderous plot to kill Jesus? If they return to Bethlehem, someone could remember them.

And now, the angel appears to Joseph in a dream again with directions to reside in Nazareth where Joseph and Mary started. But that is still 80 miles past Bethlehem. The journey for this young Family is long and difficult as are all journeys of young families. But they make it safely to Nazareth. Joseph's anguish is relieved. He knows how to make a living here. These are his kinsmen that also follow the One True God, though they do not know it is Joseph's Son. During Jesus' public ministry, they will still be unable to see Jesus as God and only as "the carpenter's son." [Matthew 13:55]

Therein lies a great blessing for Joseph. Yes, that he is regarded properly as Jesus' father, though virginal. But that Joseph lived with Jesus during His private ministry. He spent day and night with Jesus. He was there for Jesus' milestones. He saw Jesus grow into a man. He taught Jesus the trade of carpentry. Indeed, this quiet time with Jesus was Heaven on earth. Who else spent quiet nights with God and His mother? When you see beautiful pictures of Mary holding Jesus, that is what Joseph saw... everyday... in person.

Too often we do not see the blessedness that we have been given in our quiet, everyday lives. Let us be like Joseph and enjoy the blessings God gives us in our everyday lives.

Mary, you experienced Joseph's joys with him. Help us to see our everyday joys and bring to us a share in the joys that you and Joseph experienced. May your joys be ours and our joys be yours. Amen.