Yoda was wrong

The Escape to Egypt (Matthew 2:13-18)

When the Magi had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up,” he said, “take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.”

So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt, where he stayed until the death of Herod. And so was fulfilled what the Lord had said through the prophet: “Out of Egypt I called my son.”

When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the Magi. Then what was said through the prophet Jeremiah was fulfilled:

“A voice is heard in Ramah,
weeping and great mourning,
Rachel weeping for her children
and refusing to be comforted,
because they are no more.”

Reflection

I am a Star Wars fan. This Bible story reminds me that Yoda was wrong. He was the wise member of the Jedi Council who memorably said, "Ah, hard to see the dark side is." No, it really isn't. Dark forces usually make big painful messes. Yes, they do prefer to cover up their tracks or hide in lies, but if they have power and time, they will do it again. This story carries the deepest contrast with the Epiphany. The brightness of the Star had just faded, the gold and jingling color of the Magi's travel group were still memorable outside their house. The sinister Herod serves as a painful reminder and warning through the years. Whenever God and God's people work to do something good, there is always a powerful leader that wants to wreak it all for the purpose of self-preservation, lust for power, envy or greed. Yes, the dark side does try to make it seem like they will build you up with their image, but the truth is that if you fail them, you are dead to them, too.

Of course, in the midst of a cosmic clash, the beauty of this story is in the quiet faithful escape of the Holy Family. They listen and act. They follow. Yes, hope and life will always be one step ahead of the forces of darkness. God's goodness does not fail--not then and not now.

Prayer

Abba, Father,

We thank you for your watchfulness over us this day and always. We praise you for your presence with all of the innocents that struggle with the horrible actions of those who do not honor your goodness. We are grateful for your providence and protection. When we don't understand why some suffer and die at the hands of evil, help us to see in faith that you hold all in your hands and will hold all accountable for their words and actions. We pray for your justice to be made known and your escape to be quick for those you shelter. In the Name of the Christ, we pray. Amen.