Praying with Art | The Flight Into Egypt

In "The Flight Into Egypt" by Giovanni Battista Tiepolo, we see Mary and Joseph holding the Christ child as they flee to Egypt. An angel is prostrate before them, and a boatman is bowed in prayer in the background. In this episode of "Visio Divina: Praying with Art," we'll meditate on this painting and reflect on the deep trust in God that Mary & Joseph possessed.

The Italian Tiepolo painted this scene toward the end of his life, around 1767, while he was in Madrid working for the king.

Visio Divina, translated from Latin to “divine seeing,” is a form of prayer in which one meditates on sacred art. In this new CatholicTV YouTube series, host Katie Weiss will guide viewers through the steps of Visio Divina for 7 pieces of sacred art depicting themes from the life of the Holy Family.

Scripture:
"When they had departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, '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.' Joseph rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed for Egypt. 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.'”
-Matthew 2:13-15

Reflection Questions:
1. Place yourself in this image and Scripture. What is the Lord saying to you?

2. Imagine the trust in God that Mary and Joseph needed to have to move away from home and to go where God led them. Where do I need this trust in my own life? Invoke Jesus here.

3. What are the virtues Mary and Joseph are modeling in this mystery? Invoke Jesus' help in practicing these virtues.

4. How can you live out the fruits of this meditation?

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[sofianakharkongor]

Oh Lord stay with me, do not abandon me. Mother Mary you rescue your son for us, so we will be saved. Thank you Mother Mary and your faithful spouse Joseph. Pray for us sinners. Amen 🙏

[jeffzrockhistoryresource]

I take from this that Spirit is with us in times of trail. It's a lesson I am trying to learn, though my own short sightedness gets in the way.

[sofianakharkongor]

Oh Lord stay with me, do not abandon me. Mother Mary you rescue your son for us, so we will be saved. Thank you Mother Mary and your faithful spouse Joseph. Pray for us sinners. Amen 🙏