| Devotion to Our Lady |
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THE LIFE OF MARY ~ CONTENTS & LINKS
Scroll down for Part Three, or click on any other section that you wish to read.
(the links to later parts and chapters will be activated once they are posted)
Scroll down for Part Three, or click on any other section that you wish to read.
(the links to later parts and chapters will be activated once they are posted)
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PART ONE : THE EVENTS UP TO THE BIRTH OF MARY (click here)
► Chapter 1 : The Ancestors of Mary ► Chapter 2 : The Parents of the Mary—Joachim and Anne ► Chapter 3 : The Immaculate Conception of Our Mary ► Chapter 4 : The Birth of Our Mary PART TWO : MARY'S LIFE BEFORE THE ANNUNCIATION (click here) ► Chapter 5 : The Infancy of Mary in Nazareth ► Chapter 6 : The Years Mary spent in the Temple ► Chapter 7 : Mary's Betrothal to Joseph ► Chapter 8 : Mary's Life in Nazareth PART THREE : FROM THE CONCEPTION TO THE BIRTH OF JESUS ► Chapter 9 : The Time of the Annunciation ► Chapter 10 : Mary's Visitation to Elizabeth ► Chapter 11 : Temptations, Trials & Tribulations ► Chapter 12 : Mary and Joseph's Journey to Bethlehem PART FOUR : THE BIRTH OF JESUS & EXILE IN EGYPT ► Chapter 13 : The Birth of Jesus in Bethlehem ► Chapter 14 : From Shepherds to Kings ► Chapter 15 : Jesus' Presentation in the Temple ► Chapter 16 : The Flight into Egypt ► Chapter 17 : The Years of Exile |
PART FIVE : THE HIDDEN YEARS UP TO JESUS' PUBLIC MINISTRY
► Chapter 18 : The Return to Nazareth ► Chapter 19 : The Hidden Life in Nazareth ► Chapter 20 : The Losing and Finding of Jesus ► Chapter 21 : Mary the Widow PART SIX : MARY IN THE PUBLIC LIFE OF JESUS ► Chapter 22 : Cana—Mary Provokes Jesus' First Public Miracle ► Chapter 23 : Mary's Silent Support of Jesus ► Chapter 24 : Mary's Hidden Work ► Chapter 25 : Mary Prepares Her Sacrifice PART SEVEN : MARY AND THE PASSION AND DEATH OF JESUS ► Chapter 26 : Mary's Own Agony ► Chapter 27 : Mary's Spiritual Martyrdom ► Chapter 28 : Mary the Co-Redemptrix ► Chapter 29 : Mary's Sacrificial Example PART EIGHT : MARY AFTER THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS ► Chapter 30 : The Joy of Victory ► Chapter 31 : Mary Sacrifices Heaven to Help the Church ► Chapter 32 : Mary's Last Years ► Chapter 33 : Mary's Death and Glory |
PART THREE : FROM THE CONCEPTION TO THE BIRTH OF JESUS
CHAPTER 9 : THE TIME OF THE ANNUNCIATION
The Blessed Virgin’s life herself described to the mystics, the sentiments of her heart at this time.
“My love for God burned in my heart even more intensely than before and every day my soul was enkindled with new fervor and longing. So I withdrew from everything even more than formerly....
“On the day before the occurrence of this mystery I thought I would die and my heart would burst with love and longing, for God’s Providence had not comforted me. He filled my soul with the firm hope that the Saviour would descend from heaven without delay. But on the other hand my humility made me fear lest my presence in the world might perhaps delay His coming.
“I was afraid that my lips might say or my ears might hear something against God, or my eyes see something evil. Even in my silence I was timid and very anxious that I might be silent when I should rather speak. When I was thus troubled in heart, I committed all my hopes to God.”
On the eve of the Annunciation, at the bidding of the divine will the Archangel Gabriel presented himself before the throne of God, and the Blessed Trinity instructed him in the exact words with which he was to greet and speak to Mary. Then the Lord announced to the other angels in Heaven that at last the time for man’s Redemption had come, and all the celestial spirits were filled with joy and thanksgiving, and they sang: “Holy, Holy, Holy, art Thou, Lord God.”
Accompanied by thousands of resplendent angels, Gabriel descended from the highest heaven, delighted to obey God's epochal command. His appearance was that of an exceedingly handsome young man with wavy blond hair, and his bright features radiated a divine light. His whole bearing was pleasing, yet also godlike and majestic. He wore a rich diadem on his head and a cross on his breast, and his vestments glowed in various striking colors.
Directing his flight toward Nazareth in Galilee, Gabriel arrived at Mary's modest little cottage as night was falling, when as usual she retired to pray in her small, bare room.
The Blessed Virgin was now fourteen and a half years old. While taller than other girls of her age, she was perfectly proportioned. Her beautiful face with its clear and somewhat brownish complexion was more oblong than round. Under her broad forehead, her dark eyes were large and serious and at the same time wondrously beautiful and gentle. Her straight nose, her small mouth with lips neither thin nor thick-all her features were so symmetrical and so ideally modeled that no other human being has ever had such perfection of form. Her clothes were very humble and poor in appearance, yet spotlessly clean and neat, of a dark silvery color somewhat like ashes, and she wore them without pretense, but with the greatest modesty.
Taking a low narrow table on which was a roll of scriptural writings, Mary placed it in the center of the room. Then she knelt on a little cushion and crossed her hands on her breast. And with growing fervor, her eyes lifted toward Heaven, she began to pray for the coming of the Saviour.
Our Lady reveals: “That night I prostrated myself devoutly in prayer, and with the most intense love I begged the Lord that He might deign to let me live long enough to see His Mother with my eyes, serve her with my hands, bow my head before her in reverence, and place myself completely at her service.
“I began to meditate on the great power of Go& how the angels and all creatures serve Him, and how indescribable and immense is His glory. And while I was marveling over this, all of a sudden I perceived three wonderful things:
“I saw a star, but not like those that shine in the sky —I saw a light that was greater and brighter than the sun, yet unlike any light in this world.
“And I inhaled a scent, but not one that comes from plants or anything of that kind -it was an utterly sweet and almost ineffable scent which completely filled my soul and made me thrill with joy.
“Then I heard a voice, but not a human voice—and suddenly there appeared before me the Angel of God in the form of a most beautiful youth, yet not one of flesh and blood.”
Recognizing him as an envoy of God, Mary with her usual humility wished to bow reverently before him. But Gabriel would not allow it. Instead he bowed profoundly before his Queen.
“And he said to me.
“Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women!”
“When I heard this greeting; at first I was indeed very frightened, for I wondered whether it might be an illusion. I asked myself what it might mean and why he uttered such a greeting; because I knew and considered myself unworthy of it or of anything good, although I realized that nothing was impossible with Almighty God.”
And now while Mary modestly kept her eyes lowered before the Archangel, the Lord began to make her understand interiorly that He had chosen her for His Mother.
“From the midst of this light I heard a voice saying to me: “Thou art to give birth to My Soul.” And it added: “Know in truth that I want others to have for thee the reverence which for love of Me thou didst want to have for someone else. I want thee to be My Son’s Mother and Giver, so that thou wilt not only have Him, but thou wilt also be able to give Him to whomever thou wishest.”
“When I heard this I was so overcome with fear and wonder that I could hardly hold myself up, and I was about to faint when some angels came and raised me up and strengthened me.
“Then Gabriel said: 'Do not be afraid, Mary for thou hast found grace with God. And behold thou shalt conceive in thy womb and shalt bring forth a Son. And thou shalt call His name Jesus. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give Him the throne of David His father, and He shall be king over the House of Jacob forever. And of His kingdom there shall be no end.”
As she slowly grasped the full significance of this tremendous grace, Mary raised her humble heart to God, and in the secret of her soul she lovingly begged Him to give her His help in such a crucial moment, for her intuition told her that in order to test her faith and hope and charity in this mystery, the Lord had purposely left her without any other aid than the resources of her human nature.
“I still did not believe myself worthy. And so I did not ask the Angel why or when, but I asked how it could happen that my unworthy self should become the Mother of God: “How shall this happen, since I do not know man?”
And at the same time Mary interiorly mentioned to the Lord her vow of perpetual chastity and the mystical espousal that He had celebrated with her.
And Gabriel answered: “The Holy Spirit shall come upon thee, and the power of the Most High shall overshadow thee. And therefore the Holy One to be born shall be called the Son of God. And behold, Elizabeth thy kinswoman also has conceived a son in her old age, and she who was barren is now in her sixth month.” And the Angel answered me as I had said to myself: For nothing shall be impossible with God.”
“After I heard these words, without doubting at all that what he said was true, I felt in my heart an exceedingly fervent desire to be the Mother of God. I prostrated myself on the ground, and on my knees, with my hands joined, I worshipped God, and my soul cried forth with love: “Behold the handmaid of the Lord—Be it done to me according to thy word “
Now a celestial light filled Mary's little room, dissolving the ceiling and revealing the heavens. In a dazzling beam could be seen a brilliant figure of the Blessed Trinity. The Holy Spirit appeared in a winged form. Masses of flame shot out like wings on His right and left. Then three intense rays flashed and darted into the right side of the Virgin, and she became entirely suffused with a glowing light.
“As soon as I had spoken those words, the grace of God overwhelmed me —never had I felt such bliss and joy in my soul. And then in that ecstasy God the Father gave me His Son, and my Son was instantly conceived in my womb by the Holy Spirit. He took flesh in my most pure body. And an inexpressible rapture filled my soul and my whole body. And I humbled myself in every way for I knew that the One whom I bore in my womb was the Almighty.”
In the same instant of this miraculous conception, Mary was rapt in a marvelous vision in which the Holy Trinity revealed to her the mystery of the hypostatic union of the divine and human natures in the person of the Eternal Word, and confirmed her in the title and rights of Mother of God. She was also shown in this vision the future mysteries of the life and death of her Son, the Redeemer of mankind.
Lost in humility and burning love, Mary adored the Lord and gave Him her fervent thanks for having thus favored her and the whole human race. She offered herself as a willing sacrifice in the rearing and service of her Son throughout His life on earth. And for this purpose she prayed for new graces and light in order that she might be guided in all her actions as becomes the Mother of God. And the Lord answered her: “My Dove, do not fear, for I will assist thee and guide thee in all things necessary for the service of My only begotten Son.”
Meanwhile the Archangel Gabriel had departed; and just as the radiant channel of light above Mary's room vanished, a number of closed white roses, each having a small green leaf, dropped slowly down over the Holy Mother of God, who remained utterly oblivious to everything around her.
Thus toward dawn on a beautiful spring morning in the flower-covered hills of Galilee did Almighty God consecrate to Himself a pure and humble Jewish girl of Nazareth, making her and her modest home a new sanctuary and fulfilling in her the words of the Prophet-King: “The Most High hath sanctified His own tabernacle. God is in the midst thereof.”
All the heavenly spirits witnessing this great mystery, in union with the happy young Mother of God, blessed and praised the Lord in the name of the whole human race, which was still ignorant of this greatest of all God's gifts. However at that magic hour the Lord infused into the hearts of some of the just men on earth a new feeling of extraordinary joy and inspiration, though each one thought that he alone experienced this inner renewal of spirit. And throughout the whole of nature there was a remarkable stir and movement on that blessed morning when Natures God became man.
On coming back to herself in her room, Mary's first act was to kneel in humble and profound adoration of the Word Incarnate within her womb. Then after a long interval the Holy Mother of God arose and went to her little altar against the wall, where for some time she prayed standing. Only toward sunrise did she lie down on her bed to rest.
SPEAKING OF THE ANNUNCIATION, THE BLESSED VIRGIN SAID TO ST. ELIZABETH OF SCHOENAU:
“Do you know why God did this? Because I had believed in Him and because I had humbled myself.”
CHAPTER 10 : MARY'S VISITATION TO ELIZABETH
On the day after the Annunciation, Mary's many guardian angels appeared before her visibly, and with deep humility they adored their incarnate King in His Mother's womb, saying to her: “Now, O Lady, thou art the true Ark of the Testament. We wish to obey thee as servants of the supreme Lord whose Mother thou art.” And indeed when Mary was alone, they helped her in her household work, and whenever she ate alone they served her the modest meals which she took at her poor table.
Now at times God sent a number of birds to visit His Mother. Greeting her with lively movements, as if wishing to congratulate her, they divided into harmonious choirs and chirped and sang sweetly for her. They also brought her flowers in their beaks and dropped them onto her hands and then waited until she asked them to sing. When she told them to praise and give thanks to their Creator with her, they all bowed low on the ground to worship the Lord and to honor His Mother. Sometimes in bad weather birds came to her for protection, and she gave them food and shelter.
Three days after the Annunciation the Lord revealed to Mary in a vision that the son whom her cousin Elizabeth had already conceived was destined to be a great prophet and forerunner of the Messias, and that it was God's will that Mary should visit her in order that both mother and child might be sanctified by the presence of their Redeemer. Although going out in public and leaving her home for a trip of several days into the mountains of Judea meant a real sacrifice to Mary, she gladly thanked God for this opportunity to serve Him and then asked St. Joseph for his permission. He still knew nothing about the Annunciation, and now Mary told him only that the Lord had informed her that Elizabeth was with child, and that she felt obliged to visit her. Joseph willingly agreed to her plans, and having borrowed a lowly donkey and prepared some provisions consisting of a little fruit, bread, and a few fishes, they were ready to leave. But first Mary knelt at St. Joseph’s feet and, despite his hesitation, insisted that he give her his blessing. Then, raising her eyes and her heart to the Lord, she arose and they set out, accompanied by her numerous invisible guardian angels.
Many times during this tiring four days' journey Mary dismounted and urged Joseph to ride, but he never accepted her offer, though now and then he did allow her to walk with him. Often she conversed spiritually with her angels about the divine mysteries, and at other times she spoke with Joseph about the coming of the Redeemer. To his profound wonderment and joy, her words filled him with an entirely new understanding and love for God, and she realized that the Word Incarnate was giving him unusual graces.
In the course of this trip Mary and Joseph had many opportunities to practice charity, for the Blessed Virgin could not remain idle at the sight of want. Some innkeepers received them kindly, while others were rude. Whenever she could, Mary visited the poor and the sick, consoling and sometimes curing them. One poor girl who was ill with a bad fever was suddenly healed in Mary's presence, and for the rest of her life she never forgot the beautiful young lady who helped her.
At last the holy couple reached the little village of Ain Karem in the Judean hills five miles west of Jerusalem. As they approached the house of Zachary, which was situated in the midst of a lovely garden on an isolated slope, St. Joseph hastened ahead in order to announce their visit, calling out to those within the house: “The Lord be with you and fill your souls with divine grace!”
St. Elizabeth, who was tall and past middle age, with a small face and very sweet features, had been forewarned by the Lord Himself that Mary of Nazareth had set out to visit her, although the mystery of the Annunciation had not yet been revealed to her. Elizabeth immediately came out to welcome her cousin, who as the younger in years hastened to greet her, saying: “The Lord be with you, my dearest cousin.”
They met near a fountain and clasped hands affectionately. At this moment the Blessed Virgin became as it were suffused with a mystic light, and a bright ray went forth from her to Elizabeth and had an extraordinary effect on the latter, as she replied: “The same Lord reward you for having come in order to give me this pleasure.”
Holding hands they crossed the garden to the house, where St. Elizabeth again welcomed her cousin and invited her to enter. Once inside, they threw their arms around each other and remained for some time in a warm embrace. Then Mary said in a most friendly way: “May God save you, my dearest cousin, and may His Divine Light give you grace and life!”
At the sound of Mary's voice, Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, which revealed to her the Mystery of the Incarnation, the unique dignity of Mary, and her own soul’s sanctification. Rapt in joy she looked reverently at the Holy Mother of God-then, stepping back a little and lifting her hands, she exclaimed with an expression of deep humility, happiness and inspiration: “Blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb! And how have I deserved that the Mother of my Lord should come to me? For behold, the moment that the sound of thy greeting came to my ears, the babe in my womb leapt for joy! And blessed is she who has believed, because the things promised her by the Lord shall be accomplished.” Mary humbly referred these words of praise to the Creator.
“I was similarly moved by an extraordinary joy in my heart, so that I spoke words about God that I myself did not devise, and my soul could hardly contain itself with joy.”
Crossing her hands on her breast, Mary intoned in the sweetest and softest voice: “My soul doth magnify the Lord. And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. Because He hath regarded the humility of His handmaid: for behold from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. For He that is mighty hath done great things to me, and holy is His name. And His mercy is from generation unto generation to them that fear Him. He hath showed might in His arm: He hath scattered the proud in the conceit of their heart. He hath put down the mighty from their seat: and hath exalted the humble. He hath filled the hungry with good things: and the rich He hath sent empty away. He hath received Israel His servant: being mindful of His mercy. As He spoke to our fathers: to Abraham and to his seed for ever.”
Thanks to a divine inspiration, St. Elizabeth was able to recite the Magnificat at the same time as Mary.
“While Elizabeth marveled at the fervor of the Holy Spirit that spoke through me, I likewise marveled at the grace of God in her, and we praised God together.”
Then St. Elizabeth offered herself and her whole family and all her house for the service of the Mother of God, asking Mary to take as a quiet retreat the room which she herself was accustomed to use for her prayers. The Blessed Virgin accepted with humble thanks, and used the room for meditation and sleeping; and no one ever entered it except the two cousins. Mary also offered to serve Elizabeth as a maid, for she said that this was the purpose of her visit.
When toward evening the two holy women came forth after a long friendly talk about the heavenly mysteries that were to be accomplished in them, as soon as the Blessed Virgin saw her cousin’s husband Zachary, a tall and handsome old priest, she asked him for his blessing, which he gave her without saying a word, for he had been stricken dumb six months earlier in the Temple when he had doubted the angel's prophecy that Elizabeth would bear a son.
Three days later St. Joseph returned to his work in Nazareth, as Mary planned to spend three months with her cousin. During this time, in addition to all her usual prayers, the Blessed Virgin busied herself by sewing and preparing swaddling clothes for her cousin’s baby. And whenever she could, despite Elizabeth’s protests, Mary swept the house and her own room, and washed the dishes with the servants. One of the latter was a very irritable and nervous woman who easily gave way to anger and even to cursing. But as a result of her growing love and reverence for Mary, she soon became kind, meek and self-controlled. And a vain, sensual neighbor who dropped in to see what she called “this guest who gives herself such holy airs,” after staring at the Blessed Virgin with impertinent curiosity, went home and began to weep sincerely over her sins and evil intentions. Naturally the holy Mother of Mercy also prayed for all such persons whom she met, and thus usually obtained their conversion.
Every evening Mary and Elizabeth recited the Magnificat together, standing facing each other in Mary's room, with their arms crossed on their chests and their veils lowered over their faces. Sometimes they spent nearly all night praying together. Mary always arose at midnight for her prayers. A few times St. Elizabeth merited to see the Mother of God in ecstasy, raised above the ground and radiant with supernatural splendor and beauty.
Often during the intense heat of these early summer months, Mary went with Elizabeth and Zachary into their lovely garden in the evenings, and they all took a light supper outdoors and then went for a walk by moonlight in the surrounding fields and hills before retiring for the night. But they always arose before sunrise.
During the third month of the visit, St. Elizabeth begged her young cousin, whom she loved deeply, to stay with her at least until the birth of Zachary' son. “Let me see my child in your arms, dear Mary,” she pleaded. “Do not deny this consolation to me, nor this great happiness to my son.” With her usual prudence, Mary agreed that they should both pray to know God's will. And the Lord said to her:
“My Dove, assist My servant Elizabeth at her childbirth. And after her son shall be circumcised, return to thy home with Joseph. And continue to pray to Me for the salvation of souls.”
A few days later, while Mary prayed fervently in her room for both mother and child, with only moderate pains St. Elizabeth gave birth to a fine baby son, who was destined to be the holy Forerunner of Christ. After he was wrapped in the swaddling clothes made by Mary's own hands, the Blessed Virgin came into her cousin’s room and took the babe into her arms. The newborn child already had the use of reason by a special grace, and knowing that Mary bore in her womb the Word Incarnate, he gazed at her with great love and adored his Lord in her with intense humility and thanksgiving. Holding him in her arms, Mary offered him to the Eternal Father and prayed for him and for his future ministry. Then, while St. Elizabeth looked on with keen joy, Mary lovingly caressed the saintly child -but she did not kiss him, as she wished to keep her chaste lips untouched for her own divine Son.
Naturally this extraordinary birth after so many years of childlessness was generally considered almost a miracle, and numerous friends and relatives came to congratulate Zachary and Elizabeth, whose joy and gratitude were touching. Then in a private talk Mary informed her cousin that neither she nor her husband was destined by God to live very long and that they should therefore be still more generous in their charity to the poor, for the Lord would take care of their son. And she helped her good hosts prepare and distribute numerous gifts to the poor.
Eight days after his birth, the baby boy was circumcised, and during the discussion as to his name, his father Zachary wrote on a tablet: “His name is John” In that very moment, at Mary's prayer, he recovered the use of his voice and joyfully broke forth into the inspired canticle, the Benedictus:
“Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, because He has visited and wrought the redemption of His people ... that, delivered from the hand of our enemies, we should serve Him without fear, in holiness and justice before Him all our days. And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Most High, for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways, to give to His people knowledge of salvation through forgiveness of their sins, because of the loving kindness of our God.”
A few days later St. Joseph came to accompany Mary back to Nazareth. Then the Blessed Virgin said a sad farewell to her dear cousin and her husband. Kneeling before Zachary, she took his hand and begged him to bless her and to forgive her for all her faults while in his house. The old priest, who knew now that she was the chosen Mother of the Messias, was deeply moved, and giving her his blessing he said: “In thee let all nations know their God, and through thee let the name of the Lord of Jacob be glorified”
Next Mary consoled St. Elizabeth, who was heartbroken at seeing her leave, and taking the child John in her arms again, Mary gave him many mystic blessings and graces, while he whispered to her: “You are the Mother of God Himself may your intercession never fail me!” And he kissed her hand three times. Then, after St. Joseph had also bid farewell to his good friends, Mary kneeled before him for his blessing, and they set out on their journey home.
During this four-day trip the Blessed Virgin mercifully healed a poor woman who was partly possessed by evil spirits, and she also converted to a better life an innkeeper who received her and Joseph kindly. Because she was now in her third month with child, she was more easily fatigued. And now she prayed more than ever that the Lord might assist St. Joseph with special graces and understanding when he became aware of her condition, as would inevitably happen soon. For she knew that she could not explain God's holy secret to him until the Lord Himself allowed her to do so.
CHAPTER 11 : TEMPTATIONS, TRIALS & TRIBULATIONS
When the Blessed Virgin and St. Joseph returned to their home in Nazareth after their visit to St. Elizabeth, Mary proceeded to set her house in order and to clean it, with the help of her angels, while St. Joseph applied himself to his carpentry work.
Now Lucifer and his devils were sorely puzzled by Mary's exceptional holiness. However, they did not think that she was the Virgin chosen to be the Mother of the Messias, because besides having a husband she was also extremely poor and modest in her way of living. Nevertheless Satan was enraged against her, due to her sanctity, and he therefore decided to send seven legions of his devils to tempt her in each of the seven capital sins. But Mary was warned by the Lord, who said to her: “My spouse and My dove, I will be with thee in battle, since I am in thy virginal womb. I wish that thou confound these enemies before I appear in the world, and I trust this victory to thy fidelity and thy love.”
Mary was deeply moved as she replied: “My Lord, I belong entirely to Thee. Thou hast condescended to be my Son. Do with Thy servant whatever shall be to Thy greater glory. For if Thou art in me, and I in Thee, who shall be powerful enough to resist Thy will? Give me strength.”
Then while Mary was praying alone, left only to her natural force, God allowed the first legion of devils to tempt her to pride. To make her stop praying, they tried to terrify her by howling and roaring at her. But Mary did not change her position or show any fear. She simply repeated the words of the Psalm: “Who is like unto God, who dwells on high and looks down upon the humble in Heaven and on earth?” Then the devils changed themselves into resplendent angels and tried to convince Mary that they came from God in order to congratulate and praise her, but they gave themselves away when they promised to select her as the Mother of God! The Blessed Virgin, prostrate on the floor, withdrew within herself and quietly yet firmly continued to pray and adore the Lord.
Next the second legion of demons tried to tempt her to avarice by offering her great wealth in gold and jewels, telling her that God wanted her to distribute it to the poor, since it was far better for a holy person like her to have all these riches than to leave them to be misused by wicked sinners. Mary did not argue with the devils. She merely prayed these words of the Psalmist: “I have acquired for my heritage and for my riches the keeping of Thy testimonies and Thy laws, my Lord.”
When the third group of devils sought to tempt the Blessed Virgin to impurity, she renewed her vow of chastity with such fervor and merit that her enemies were driven from her presence like a cannonball from a cannon.
Then the fourth legion did all they could to provoke her to anger. They posed as some women whom Mary knew and shouted outrageous insults and threats at her and stole the things she needed most. But Mary saw through their tricks and utterly disregarded them. Then one of the devils took on the appearance of a woman of Nazareth and told an easily influenced neighbor that Mary had criticized and slandered her. The deceived woman, who often lost her temper, hastened to go and insult Mary to her face. The Blessed Virgin calmly allowed her to pour forth all her anger and then spoke to her in such a kind and humble way that soon the woman’s heart softened and she apologized. Mary warned her against letting herself be stirred to anger by the devil, and after giving the poor woman some alms dismissed her in peace. Even the demons were astounded, for they had never seen anyone react that way.
The fifth legion had no success at all in tempting Mary to gluttony. Then the spirits of envy gave her a long list of natural blessings and spiritual favors which God had bestowed on others but denied to her. They also induced several prosperous persons to describe to her the happiness of those who are rich and well off and fortunate in worldly things. But Mary simply told them that they should thank the Lord for all they had and use it well, while she judged herself quite unworthy of such favors.
Finally the last legion of devils tried to tempt her to idleness by making her feel tired and dejected, suggesting that she postpone certain prayers and good deeds on account of weariness, so that she might do them all the better after having rested. They also sent people to bother her and take up her time in order to prevent her from doing good. But Mary prudently detected these plots and did not allow the devil to keep her from her prayers and good works.
By now Lucifer was so enraged against Mary that he himself strove with all his might to hurt her and the Child in her womb, for he feared that anyone born of her would naturally be a great enemy of his. Therefore, assuming the form of a horrifying monster, he rushed at the Blessed Virgin. Howling and shooting forth fire and fumes from his mouth, he sought to terrify her. But though Mary saw and heard him, she remained as unmoved as if he were nothing but a gnat. Then, in order to poison her mind, the Father of Lies began to recite every falsehood and heresy known to history concerning God and His Truth. But Mary firmly proclaimed the various truths opposed to these errors and sang hymns of praise to the Lord. When she prayed to God to prevent the devils from spreading false teachings so freely throughout the world, the Lord did in fact set narrower limits to the demons' activities.
In one last attempt Lucifer stirred up a bitter quarrel over property among Mary's neighbors by taking on the appearance of a woman known to them and by convincing them that Mary was the true source of all their trouble. Consequently the entire group went to St. Josphs home and harshly accused Mary of disturbing their peace. Instead of defending herself, Mary humbly and patiently begged her neighbors to forgive her if she had offended them, and then she pacified them by proving that none of them had really done anything against the others. Finally, after another useless attack by all the demons together, Mary was allowed to command the defeated devils to return to Hell. And as a reward the Lord Himself appeared to her with all her angels and honored her, while she joyfully and modestly praised the Author of all good.
Now that the Blessed Virgin was in her fifth month of pregnancy, one day when St. Joseph saw her coming out of her oratory, he could not help noticing the evident change in her condition, which she did not once try to conceal. But he was completely unable to explain what he saw so clearly. Naturally, because he loved his dear wife so tenderly, he felt a keen stab of grief in his heart. Yet, as he was a holy and just man, he withheld his judgment, though he began to worry over the matter more and more. He dreaded the terrible thought that he might be forced to give her over to the authorities to be stoned, according to the Law of Moses. But he did not dare to speak to her about this delicate subject, since she did not volunteer any information. And so he turned to the Lord in frequent and fervent prayers, saying: “Most High God, my grief is almost killing me! My reason proclaims her blameless, while mv senses accuse her. What shall I do? Why does she conceal this matter from me? Yet I withhold my judgment .... Receive my tears as an acceptable sacrifice. I do not believe that Mary has offended Thee. Govern Thou my mind and my heart.”
Meanwhile St. josephs suffering was known to Mary, and it filled her affectionate heart with intense compassion for him. But she felt obliged to keep God great secret to herself until He gave her permission to reveal it to anyone. With deep wisdom and confidence, she resigned the whole matter into the hands of Divine Providence. And she sought to comfort her good husband in his trouble by serving him with still more devotion and thoughtfulness. She served him at table, offered him a chair, and often she knelt before him. All the time, with the Word Incarnate in her womb, she was growing in health, gracefulness and loveliness.
St. Joseph, on the contrary, was so troubled in mind and heart that he was wasting away from weakness and emaciation. Mary spoke to him anxiously about his health and urged him to take some rest and recreation. And in great sorrow she prayed fervently to the Lord to console her unhappy husband.
After bearing his tribulation patiently and nobly for two months, St. Joseph finally came to the sad conclusion that the best thing foi- him to do was to absent himself, and he decided to leave his home that same night at midnight. After packing some clothes in a bundle, he prayed to God: “O Lord, I find no other way to restore my peace.... I do not believe my wife an adulteress. So I will withdraw from her and pass my life in a desert. Do not forsake me, my Lord!” And prostrating himself on the ground he made a vow to go to the Temple in Jerusalem and offer up a sacrifice in order that God might help and protect Mary Then he took a brief rest.
Meanwhile Mary, knowing what he was planning to do, also prayed to God: “I beseech Thee, Lord, not to permit him to carry out this decision and leave me!”
And the Lord answered her: “My dearest dove, I shall presently visit My servant Joseph with consolation. And after I shall have revealed to him by My angel the mystery which is now unknown to him, thou mayest tell him openly about all I have done with thee. I will fill him with My Spirit, and he will assist thee in all that will happen.” This divine promise greatly relieved Mary.
Now the Lord mercifully sent the Archangel Gabriel to St. Joseph while he slept, and though Joseph did not see the angel, he distinctly heard the inner voice say to him: “Do not be afraid, Joseph, son of' David, to take to thee Mary thy wife, for that which is begotten in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she shall bring forth a Son, and thou shalt call His name Jesus. For He shall save His people from their sins.”
Understanding this great mystery for the first time, St. Joseph awoke with the overwhelming realization that his wife Mary tvas actually the Mother of the Messias. He was filled with joy and at the same time with sorrow for having doubted her. Prostrating himself on the floor, he humbly gave thanks to God for having revealed this Mystery to him. Then he began to blame himself for all that had happened, exclaiming: “O my heavenly wife, how could your unworthy slave have dared to doubt your faithfulness? How is it that I have not kissed the ground that your feet touched? Woe is me all my thoughts were open to her sight ... also that I intended to leave her! O my Lord and God, give me strength to ask her forgiveness, so that for her sake Thou mayest pardon my great fault!”
Then, shedding tears of repentance, St. Joseph unwrapped his bundle, went out of his room, and began to scrub the floors on which Mary walked, and to do other chores that he had formerly left to her, for he resolved henceforth to be her servant in all things.
Early that morning when he knew that Mary had finished her first prayers and meditation, he went to her room and threw himself on his knees before her with the deepest reverence saying: “My spouse, Mother of the Eternal Word, I beseech you to pardon my audacity. I am certain that none of my thoughts are hidden to your heavenly insight. Great was my presumption in deciding to leave you instead of serving you as the Mother of my Lord. But you know that I did it all in ignorance. Now I consecrate my heart and my whole life to your service. I will not rise from my knees until I have obtained your pardon and your blessing.”
Raising him to his feet, Mary knelt before him and said with tender joy and love: “My master and my husband, I should ask you to forgive me for the sorrow and bitterness which I have caused you. As much as I wanted to, I could not on my own account give you any information about the Holy Sacrament hidden within me by the power of the Almighty. But I will always be your faithful servant. The Lord has not made me His Mother in order that I should be served in this life, but in order that I should be the servant of all and your slave. That is my duty.”
As St. Joseph raised her from her knees, the pure and humble Mother of God was filled with the Holy Spirit. All aflame and transfigured in a mystical ecstasy, she recited the Magnificat. Seeing her surrounded by a bright radiance of heavenly light, St. Joseph with profound humility and reverence bowed his head and adored his Lord in her womb. And God looked down upon good St. Joseph with kindly favor and accepted him as His foster father, filling his pure heart with holy graces.
Mary and Joseph in Nazareth
After learning that Mary was the chosen Mother of God, St. Joseph was changed spiritually into a new man. He resolved henceforth to act toward her with much greater reverence. Whenever he passed her or spoke to her alone, he respectfully genuflected, and he would no longer let her serve him or clean the house or wash the dishes. As she protested, he did these chores during the time which she spent in contemplation. Therefore in her humility Mary appealed to the Lord, and St. Joseph’s guardian angel was sent to tell him: “Exteriorly allow her to serve thee, and interiorly treat her with the highest reverence. Always worship in her the Lord of all creation. It is His will and His Mother's to serve and not to be served, in order to teach the world the value of humility.”
The modest home of the holy couple contained only three rooms: St. Joseph’s bedroom, his workshop, and Mary's room. In the latter was a couch which Joseph had made. Now when he came to talk with her in her room, he often found her in ecstasy raised above the ground, or conversing with her angels, or prostrate on the floor in the form of a cross. At such times he heard heavenly melodies and noticed a marvelous fragrance, which filled him with deep spiritual joy.
Mary's outer garments were of a gray color. Underneath she wore a cotton tunic. Nothing that she wore ever became soiled or worn, and she always kept herself immaculately clean. She ate very sparingly and took no meat, though she prepared it for Joseph. She usually ate cooked vegetables and bread, fruit and fish.
St. Joseph and Mary now frequently read and discussed together the various prophecies in Holy Scripture concerning the Messias, especially all that related to His birth. But out of consideration for her husband, the Blessed Virgin did not dwell on the Redeemer's sufferings and death. Often during these conversations, St. Joseph would become so moved by Mary's inspiring words that with tears of joy in his eyes he would exclaim:
“Is it really possible that I shall see my God in your arms, and hear Him speak, and touch Him – that He will live with us – that we shall eat at the same table with Him and talk with Him? I do not deserve this good fortune, which no one can ever deserve! Oh, how I regret that I am so poor!”
Then Mary answered: “My master and husband, the Lord is coming to redeem the world and to guide men on the path to life eternal, and this is to be done by means of humility and poverty. In humility and poverty He wishes to be born, to live, and to die, in order to break the chains of greed and pride in the hearts of men. That is why He chose our poor and humble home and did not want us to be rich in passing goods, which are but vanity and which darken the understanding.”
When St. Joseph asked Mary to instruct him in the various virtues and in the love of God, she did so with touching humility and skill, often by putting questions to him which of themselves suggested the right answers. She also taught him how to make his daily labor more a practice of virtue than mere manual work.
Although both St. Joseph and Mary performed work for others, they never demanded any wages or set a price on their labor. As they worked not for gain but for charity or to supply a need, they left the payment to their employers and accepted it as a freely given alms rather than an earned reward. Joseph learned this perfect degree of sanctity in economic matters from Mary.
Several times during this period they found themselves so poor that they even lacked necessities, for they were extremely generous in their gifts to the needy and they never stocked up food or clothing for the future. In her faith and humility Mary blessed the Lord for this poverty, which was a source of profound spiritual consolation to her. But she asked God to supply Joseph’s wants. And the Lord heard her prayers. Sometimes He moved their neighbors to bring them gifts or to pay off a debt. At other times St. Elizabeth sent them presents, which Mary always acknowledged by sending in return some work of her hands. On rare occasions she commanded her friends, the birds, to bring some fish or fruit or bread, and St. Joseph marveled when he saw the birds come down and place this food in her hands.
One day it happened that they had nothing at all to eat at mealtime. So Mary and Joseph each retired to their room and persevered in prayer, thanking the Lord for this privation and begging Him for help. Meanwhile angels prepared the table and set on it fresh white bread and fish and fruit and a wonderfully sweet and nourishing jelly. When they called the holy couple in to this truly Heaven-sent meal, the Blessed Virgin and her husband wept tears of humble gratitude while they sang hymns of praise and thanks to God.
As Mary's pregnancy was now far advanced, one day she said to St. Joseph: “My master, it is time that we prepare the things necessary for the birth of my holy Son. If you give me your permission, I will make the various clothes ready. I have already woven a piece of linen for His first swaddling clothes. Now please try to find some woollen cloth of soft texture and plain color for the other coverings. Later on I will weave a seamless tunic for Him. But let us pray to the Lord together for guidance in treating Him worthily.”
Then as they knelt in prayer, each heard a Voice saying: “I have come from Heaven to earth in order to exalt humility and discredit pride, to honor poverty and scorn riches, to destroy vanity and establish truth, and to enhance the value of labor. Therefore it is My will that exteriorly you treat Me according to the humble position which I have assumed, as if I were your natural child, and that interiorly you love and revere Me as the Man-God, Son of My Eternal Father.”
Soon in exchange for his work Joseph obtained two pieces of woolen cloth of the best quality available, one white and the other gray. Of these Mary made the first little robes for her Son. From the linen which she had already woven as a present for the Temple, beginning the first day in her home in Nazareth, she made the swaddling clothes. While doing this work for the Child in her womb, she remained on her knees all the time and often shed tears of devotion and love. From some flowers and herbs which St. Joseph gathered, she extracted fragrant essences and sprinkled them over the clothes. Then she folded them neatly and laid them away in a chest, saying to herself: “My sweetest Love, when shall my eyes enjoy the light of Your divine face? When shall I as Your mother receive my Beloved's tender kiss? But how shall a poor insignificant worm like myself ever be able to treat You worthily? Look graciously upon me and let me take part in all the labors of Your life, since You are my Son and my Lord.”
And then one day St. Joseph, while away from home on an errand, heard that a recently proclaimed Roman edict ordered all heads of families in Palestine to be registered on the tax lists in their native cities. When he sadly told Mary this disturbing news, she answered reassuringly: “Do not let this edict cause you any concern, for all that happens to us is ordained by the Lord, and in all events His providence will assist and direct us.”
“Nevertheless,” said St. Joseph anxiously, “please pray that I may not have to be separated from you, for my heart would not have a moment's peace away from you, and I dare not leave you alone without help. But your delivery is too near for me to ask you to go with me to Bethlehem, for I fear to place you in any risk, because of your condition and my poverty—I would be heartbroken if the Nativity should occur on the way amid inconveniences that I could not alleviate.”
Mary obediently presented St. Joseph’s petitions to God, although she already knew that her divine Son was to be born in Bethlehem. And she received the following answer to her prayer:
“My dearest dove, accompany My servant Joseph on the journey. I shall be with you and I shall assist you with paternal love in the tribulations you will suffer for My sake. Although they will be very great, do not fear.”
Her heart being thus prepared for what lay ahead, Mary calmly told St. Joseph that she was going to travel with him. He was filled with joyful consolation, and thanking the Lord, he said to her:
“My Lady, now my only source of grief will be the hardships you will have to undergo. But in Bethlehem we shall find friends and relatives, and there you will be able to rest from the journey.”
Mary said nothing about the trying circumstances which she knew the Lord had decreed for His birth, though she fully realized that they would be far different from what Joseph expected. She always kept to herself all the secrets of God which she was not told to reveal. Instead she now said to her good husband, quietly and humbly:
“My master, I will accompany you with great joy. And we will make this journey as poor people, in the name of the Lord, for He will not despise poverty, which He has come to seek with so much love. Relying on His help, we will go with confidence to Bethlehem.”
CHAPTER 12 : MARY AND JOSEPH'S JOURNEY TO BETHLEHEM
At six o'clock on a cold, wet, mid-winter morning, the Blessed Virgin and St. Joseph set out from Nazareth on their journey to Bethlehem. Mary was mounted sidesaddle on an unpretentious little donkey, and St. Joseph guided the animal with his right hand, holding his staff with his left. Two bags hanging on the beast's right side contained their provisions: some bread, fruit and fish, and the linens which Mary had lovingly prepared for her baby. Ten thousand angels marched along with them in dazzling forms visible only to their Queen. She and St. Joseph alternated with this heavenly choir in singing canticles and hymns of praise to God.
The first evening they found themselves in a windy, uninhabited valley. After a long day on the rough road, the Blessed Virgin, who was suffering keenly from the cold, told St. Joseph that they would have to stop there for the night. So he pitched their little tent under a great old turpentine tree near a fountain. God miraculousl warmed Mary and she placed her hands in her husband's to share the warmth with him.
Then they took some supper. Poor St. Joseph was very kind to Mary, and suffered much to see her in pain. He tried to cheer her by describing enthusiastically the excellent lodging they were sure to have in Bethlehem.
The next morning at half past five they went on. By noon the donkey became tired, so Mary dismounted and continued on foot. Soon they arrived at a farm and rested a while.
After another hour's climb through the hills, they came to a fine-looking inn comprising several buildings with gardens. Here they were received by the owner's wife, and remained all the next day, as it was the Sabbath. Some women with their children came to visit Mary and were deeply impressed by her wisdom and reserve. They were also very touched when they watched her instruct their children in religion. She explained it to the little ones so lovingly that they could not take their eyes away from her face. St. Joseph spent the afternoon walking through the gardens with his host, whom he greatly edified by his simple piety.
The following day they traveled over twelve miles and spent the night with some hospitable shepherds. On this trip they avoided the great, crowded caravan roads as much as possible, and also they detoured around the city of Jerusalem to the east, though this took them much longer.
The next night, in a cold rain, they came to an isolated house. St. Joseph knocked on the door and asked for shelter. Without opening, the heartless man within shouted that he was not running an inn and they should leave him alone! They went on until they found a shed, where Joseph prepared a resting place for Mary. Then he fed the donkey, and after a light supper and players they took a few hours' sleep.
The last night thev spent in a large farmhouse, though the owner's wife, who was young and conceited, treated them coldly because she was jealous of Mary's beauty (thirty years later Our Lord found her all bent over and blind, and after reproaching her for her vanity and heartlessness He healed her). Here St. Joseph was warned that Bethlehem was very crowded, but he replied that he had friends there and was quite sure of being well received.
Toward the end of the trip they made many stops, as Mary found traveling more and more trying. Nevertheless, knowing the secrets of the souls she met, she prayed for them and assisted the sick and afflicted by asking her holy Son to come to their aid.
They arrived at Bethlehem about four in the afternoon and made their way through the crowds to a large building where public officials were taking the census and levying taxes. Mary rested in the court, and several women generously gave her something to eat. St. Joseph went into a big room, where he was asked his name and occupation. He replied that he owned no property, but lived from his manual labor.
Later, as the sun was sinking, they began to look for a lodging. While Mary waited at the end of a street, Joseph went down it from house to house, knocking at the doors of his relatives and acquaintances, but he was admitted nowhere and in many places he met with harsh refusals and insults. Each time he came back to Mary, he was more and more upset. She knew that the hearts and houses of men were to be closed to them. And although to expose her condition at her young age to the public gaze was more painful to her modesty than their failure to find a lodging, still she meekly followed her husband through the crowds.
At one end of the village they found a big tree, and under the shelter of its spreading branches Mary waited and rested for a long time, first standing and then sitting with her legs crossed under her. Many people passed by and stared at her as she sat there so patiently and humbly in her long, white dress and veil, with her hands folded on her breast and her head lowered.
Finally, about nine o'clock, St. Joseph came back, utterly overcome, crying and trembling with heartbreaking sorrow.
Mary consoled him tenderly. Then he told her of a shepherds' shelter outside the town. And she said: “That will be perfectly satisfactory to me. Let us lovingly embrace poverty, dear Joseph, and go gladly wherever the Lord guides us.”
Upon entering the bare grotto which the shepherds used as a stable, they both knelt and thanked the Lord, and Mary was filled with joy at being at last in this holy place. She immediately set about cleaning the cave with her own hands, out of humility and reverence. St. Joseph hastened to do likewise, and the angels helped them. Next he started a fire, as it was very cold, and they ate a frugal supper, their souls overflowing with happiness at the thought of the impending Incarnation.
The Blessed Virgin’s life herself described to the mystics, the sentiments of her heart at this time.
“My love for God burned in my heart even more intensely than before and every day my soul was enkindled with new fervor and longing. So I withdrew from everything even more than formerly....
“On the day before the occurrence of this mystery I thought I would die and my heart would burst with love and longing, for God’s Providence had not comforted me. He filled my soul with the firm hope that the Saviour would descend from heaven without delay. But on the other hand my humility made me fear lest my presence in the world might perhaps delay His coming.
“I was afraid that my lips might say or my ears might hear something against God, or my eyes see something evil. Even in my silence I was timid and very anxious that I might be silent when I should rather speak. When I was thus troubled in heart, I committed all my hopes to God.”
On the eve of the Annunciation, at the bidding of the divine will the Archangel Gabriel presented himself before the throne of God, and the Blessed Trinity instructed him in the exact words with which he was to greet and speak to Mary. Then the Lord announced to the other angels in Heaven that at last the time for man’s Redemption had come, and all the celestial spirits were filled with joy and thanksgiving, and they sang: “Holy, Holy, Holy, art Thou, Lord God.”
Accompanied by thousands of resplendent angels, Gabriel descended from the highest heaven, delighted to obey God's epochal command. His appearance was that of an exceedingly handsome young man with wavy blond hair, and his bright features radiated a divine light. His whole bearing was pleasing, yet also godlike and majestic. He wore a rich diadem on his head and a cross on his breast, and his vestments glowed in various striking colors.
Directing his flight toward Nazareth in Galilee, Gabriel arrived at Mary's modest little cottage as night was falling, when as usual she retired to pray in her small, bare room.
The Blessed Virgin was now fourteen and a half years old. While taller than other girls of her age, she was perfectly proportioned. Her beautiful face with its clear and somewhat brownish complexion was more oblong than round. Under her broad forehead, her dark eyes were large and serious and at the same time wondrously beautiful and gentle. Her straight nose, her small mouth with lips neither thin nor thick-all her features were so symmetrical and so ideally modeled that no other human being has ever had such perfection of form. Her clothes were very humble and poor in appearance, yet spotlessly clean and neat, of a dark silvery color somewhat like ashes, and she wore them without pretense, but with the greatest modesty.
Taking a low narrow table on which was a roll of scriptural writings, Mary placed it in the center of the room. Then she knelt on a little cushion and crossed her hands on her breast. And with growing fervor, her eyes lifted toward Heaven, she began to pray for the coming of the Saviour.
Our Lady reveals: “That night I prostrated myself devoutly in prayer, and with the most intense love I begged the Lord that He might deign to let me live long enough to see His Mother with my eyes, serve her with my hands, bow my head before her in reverence, and place myself completely at her service.
“I began to meditate on the great power of Go& how the angels and all creatures serve Him, and how indescribable and immense is His glory. And while I was marveling over this, all of a sudden I perceived three wonderful things:
“I saw a star, but not like those that shine in the sky —I saw a light that was greater and brighter than the sun, yet unlike any light in this world.
“And I inhaled a scent, but not one that comes from plants or anything of that kind -it was an utterly sweet and almost ineffable scent which completely filled my soul and made me thrill with joy.
“Then I heard a voice, but not a human voice—and suddenly there appeared before me the Angel of God in the form of a most beautiful youth, yet not one of flesh and blood.”
Recognizing him as an envoy of God, Mary with her usual humility wished to bow reverently before him. But Gabriel would not allow it. Instead he bowed profoundly before his Queen.
“And he said to me.
“Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women!”
“When I heard this greeting; at first I was indeed very frightened, for I wondered whether it might be an illusion. I asked myself what it might mean and why he uttered such a greeting; because I knew and considered myself unworthy of it or of anything good, although I realized that nothing was impossible with Almighty God.”
And now while Mary modestly kept her eyes lowered before the Archangel, the Lord began to make her understand interiorly that He had chosen her for His Mother.
“From the midst of this light I heard a voice saying to me: “Thou art to give birth to My Soul.” And it added: “Know in truth that I want others to have for thee the reverence which for love of Me thou didst want to have for someone else. I want thee to be My Son’s Mother and Giver, so that thou wilt not only have Him, but thou wilt also be able to give Him to whomever thou wishest.”
“When I heard this I was so overcome with fear and wonder that I could hardly hold myself up, and I was about to faint when some angels came and raised me up and strengthened me.
“Then Gabriel said: 'Do not be afraid, Mary for thou hast found grace with God. And behold thou shalt conceive in thy womb and shalt bring forth a Son. And thou shalt call His name Jesus. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give Him the throne of David His father, and He shall be king over the House of Jacob forever. And of His kingdom there shall be no end.”
As she slowly grasped the full significance of this tremendous grace, Mary raised her humble heart to God, and in the secret of her soul she lovingly begged Him to give her His help in such a crucial moment, for her intuition told her that in order to test her faith and hope and charity in this mystery, the Lord had purposely left her without any other aid than the resources of her human nature.
“I still did not believe myself worthy. And so I did not ask the Angel why or when, but I asked how it could happen that my unworthy self should become the Mother of God: “How shall this happen, since I do not know man?”
And at the same time Mary interiorly mentioned to the Lord her vow of perpetual chastity and the mystical espousal that He had celebrated with her.
And Gabriel answered: “The Holy Spirit shall come upon thee, and the power of the Most High shall overshadow thee. And therefore the Holy One to be born shall be called the Son of God. And behold, Elizabeth thy kinswoman also has conceived a son in her old age, and she who was barren is now in her sixth month.” And the Angel answered me as I had said to myself: For nothing shall be impossible with God.”
“After I heard these words, without doubting at all that what he said was true, I felt in my heart an exceedingly fervent desire to be the Mother of God. I prostrated myself on the ground, and on my knees, with my hands joined, I worshipped God, and my soul cried forth with love: “Behold the handmaid of the Lord—Be it done to me according to thy word “
Now a celestial light filled Mary's little room, dissolving the ceiling and revealing the heavens. In a dazzling beam could be seen a brilliant figure of the Blessed Trinity. The Holy Spirit appeared in a winged form. Masses of flame shot out like wings on His right and left. Then three intense rays flashed and darted into the right side of the Virgin, and she became entirely suffused with a glowing light.
“As soon as I had spoken those words, the grace of God overwhelmed me —never had I felt such bliss and joy in my soul. And then in that ecstasy God the Father gave me His Son, and my Son was instantly conceived in my womb by the Holy Spirit. He took flesh in my most pure body. And an inexpressible rapture filled my soul and my whole body. And I humbled myself in every way for I knew that the One whom I bore in my womb was the Almighty.”
In the same instant of this miraculous conception, Mary was rapt in a marvelous vision in which the Holy Trinity revealed to her the mystery of the hypostatic union of the divine and human natures in the person of the Eternal Word, and confirmed her in the title and rights of Mother of God. She was also shown in this vision the future mysteries of the life and death of her Son, the Redeemer of mankind.
Lost in humility and burning love, Mary adored the Lord and gave Him her fervent thanks for having thus favored her and the whole human race. She offered herself as a willing sacrifice in the rearing and service of her Son throughout His life on earth. And for this purpose she prayed for new graces and light in order that she might be guided in all her actions as becomes the Mother of God. And the Lord answered her: “My Dove, do not fear, for I will assist thee and guide thee in all things necessary for the service of My only begotten Son.”
Meanwhile the Archangel Gabriel had departed; and just as the radiant channel of light above Mary's room vanished, a number of closed white roses, each having a small green leaf, dropped slowly down over the Holy Mother of God, who remained utterly oblivious to everything around her.
Thus toward dawn on a beautiful spring morning in the flower-covered hills of Galilee did Almighty God consecrate to Himself a pure and humble Jewish girl of Nazareth, making her and her modest home a new sanctuary and fulfilling in her the words of the Prophet-King: “The Most High hath sanctified His own tabernacle. God is in the midst thereof.”
All the heavenly spirits witnessing this great mystery, in union with the happy young Mother of God, blessed and praised the Lord in the name of the whole human race, which was still ignorant of this greatest of all God's gifts. However at that magic hour the Lord infused into the hearts of some of the just men on earth a new feeling of extraordinary joy and inspiration, though each one thought that he alone experienced this inner renewal of spirit. And throughout the whole of nature there was a remarkable stir and movement on that blessed morning when Natures God became man.
On coming back to herself in her room, Mary's first act was to kneel in humble and profound adoration of the Word Incarnate within her womb. Then after a long interval the Holy Mother of God arose and went to her little altar against the wall, where for some time she prayed standing. Only toward sunrise did she lie down on her bed to rest.
SPEAKING OF THE ANNUNCIATION, THE BLESSED VIRGIN SAID TO ST. ELIZABETH OF SCHOENAU:
“Do you know why God did this? Because I had believed in Him and because I had humbled myself.”
CHAPTER 10 : MARY'S VISITATION TO ELIZABETH
On the day after the Annunciation, Mary's many guardian angels appeared before her visibly, and with deep humility they adored their incarnate King in His Mother's womb, saying to her: “Now, O Lady, thou art the true Ark of the Testament. We wish to obey thee as servants of the supreme Lord whose Mother thou art.” And indeed when Mary was alone, they helped her in her household work, and whenever she ate alone they served her the modest meals which she took at her poor table.
Now at times God sent a number of birds to visit His Mother. Greeting her with lively movements, as if wishing to congratulate her, they divided into harmonious choirs and chirped and sang sweetly for her. They also brought her flowers in their beaks and dropped them onto her hands and then waited until she asked them to sing. When she told them to praise and give thanks to their Creator with her, they all bowed low on the ground to worship the Lord and to honor His Mother. Sometimes in bad weather birds came to her for protection, and she gave them food and shelter.
Three days after the Annunciation the Lord revealed to Mary in a vision that the son whom her cousin Elizabeth had already conceived was destined to be a great prophet and forerunner of the Messias, and that it was God's will that Mary should visit her in order that both mother and child might be sanctified by the presence of their Redeemer. Although going out in public and leaving her home for a trip of several days into the mountains of Judea meant a real sacrifice to Mary, she gladly thanked God for this opportunity to serve Him and then asked St. Joseph for his permission. He still knew nothing about the Annunciation, and now Mary told him only that the Lord had informed her that Elizabeth was with child, and that she felt obliged to visit her. Joseph willingly agreed to her plans, and having borrowed a lowly donkey and prepared some provisions consisting of a little fruit, bread, and a few fishes, they were ready to leave. But first Mary knelt at St. Joseph’s feet and, despite his hesitation, insisted that he give her his blessing. Then, raising her eyes and her heart to the Lord, she arose and they set out, accompanied by her numerous invisible guardian angels.
Many times during this tiring four days' journey Mary dismounted and urged Joseph to ride, but he never accepted her offer, though now and then he did allow her to walk with him. Often she conversed spiritually with her angels about the divine mysteries, and at other times she spoke with Joseph about the coming of the Redeemer. To his profound wonderment and joy, her words filled him with an entirely new understanding and love for God, and she realized that the Word Incarnate was giving him unusual graces.
In the course of this trip Mary and Joseph had many opportunities to practice charity, for the Blessed Virgin could not remain idle at the sight of want. Some innkeepers received them kindly, while others were rude. Whenever she could, Mary visited the poor and the sick, consoling and sometimes curing them. One poor girl who was ill with a bad fever was suddenly healed in Mary's presence, and for the rest of her life she never forgot the beautiful young lady who helped her.
At last the holy couple reached the little village of Ain Karem in the Judean hills five miles west of Jerusalem. As they approached the house of Zachary, which was situated in the midst of a lovely garden on an isolated slope, St. Joseph hastened ahead in order to announce their visit, calling out to those within the house: “The Lord be with you and fill your souls with divine grace!”
St. Elizabeth, who was tall and past middle age, with a small face and very sweet features, had been forewarned by the Lord Himself that Mary of Nazareth had set out to visit her, although the mystery of the Annunciation had not yet been revealed to her. Elizabeth immediately came out to welcome her cousin, who as the younger in years hastened to greet her, saying: “The Lord be with you, my dearest cousin.”
They met near a fountain and clasped hands affectionately. At this moment the Blessed Virgin became as it were suffused with a mystic light, and a bright ray went forth from her to Elizabeth and had an extraordinary effect on the latter, as she replied: “The same Lord reward you for having come in order to give me this pleasure.”
Holding hands they crossed the garden to the house, where St. Elizabeth again welcomed her cousin and invited her to enter. Once inside, they threw their arms around each other and remained for some time in a warm embrace. Then Mary said in a most friendly way: “May God save you, my dearest cousin, and may His Divine Light give you grace and life!”
At the sound of Mary's voice, Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, which revealed to her the Mystery of the Incarnation, the unique dignity of Mary, and her own soul’s sanctification. Rapt in joy she looked reverently at the Holy Mother of God-then, stepping back a little and lifting her hands, she exclaimed with an expression of deep humility, happiness and inspiration: “Blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb! And how have I deserved that the Mother of my Lord should come to me? For behold, the moment that the sound of thy greeting came to my ears, the babe in my womb leapt for joy! And blessed is she who has believed, because the things promised her by the Lord shall be accomplished.” Mary humbly referred these words of praise to the Creator.
“I was similarly moved by an extraordinary joy in my heart, so that I spoke words about God that I myself did not devise, and my soul could hardly contain itself with joy.”
Crossing her hands on her breast, Mary intoned in the sweetest and softest voice: “My soul doth magnify the Lord. And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. Because He hath regarded the humility of His handmaid: for behold from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. For He that is mighty hath done great things to me, and holy is His name. And His mercy is from generation unto generation to them that fear Him. He hath showed might in His arm: He hath scattered the proud in the conceit of their heart. He hath put down the mighty from their seat: and hath exalted the humble. He hath filled the hungry with good things: and the rich He hath sent empty away. He hath received Israel His servant: being mindful of His mercy. As He spoke to our fathers: to Abraham and to his seed for ever.”
Thanks to a divine inspiration, St. Elizabeth was able to recite the Magnificat at the same time as Mary.
“While Elizabeth marveled at the fervor of the Holy Spirit that spoke through me, I likewise marveled at the grace of God in her, and we praised God together.”
Then St. Elizabeth offered herself and her whole family and all her house for the service of the Mother of God, asking Mary to take as a quiet retreat the room which she herself was accustomed to use for her prayers. The Blessed Virgin accepted with humble thanks, and used the room for meditation and sleeping; and no one ever entered it except the two cousins. Mary also offered to serve Elizabeth as a maid, for she said that this was the purpose of her visit.
When toward evening the two holy women came forth after a long friendly talk about the heavenly mysteries that were to be accomplished in them, as soon as the Blessed Virgin saw her cousin’s husband Zachary, a tall and handsome old priest, she asked him for his blessing, which he gave her without saying a word, for he had been stricken dumb six months earlier in the Temple when he had doubted the angel's prophecy that Elizabeth would bear a son.
Three days later St. Joseph returned to his work in Nazareth, as Mary planned to spend three months with her cousin. During this time, in addition to all her usual prayers, the Blessed Virgin busied herself by sewing and preparing swaddling clothes for her cousin’s baby. And whenever she could, despite Elizabeth’s protests, Mary swept the house and her own room, and washed the dishes with the servants. One of the latter was a very irritable and nervous woman who easily gave way to anger and even to cursing. But as a result of her growing love and reverence for Mary, she soon became kind, meek and self-controlled. And a vain, sensual neighbor who dropped in to see what she called “this guest who gives herself such holy airs,” after staring at the Blessed Virgin with impertinent curiosity, went home and began to weep sincerely over her sins and evil intentions. Naturally the holy Mother of Mercy also prayed for all such persons whom she met, and thus usually obtained their conversion.
Every evening Mary and Elizabeth recited the Magnificat together, standing facing each other in Mary's room, with their arms crossed on their chests and their veils lowered over their faces. Sometimes they spent nearly all night praying together. Mary always arose at midnight for her prayers. A few times St. Elizabeth merited to see the Mother of God in ecstasy, raised above the ground and radiant with supernatural splendor and beauty.
Often during the intense heat of these early summer months, Mary went with Elizabeth and Zachary into their lovely garden in the evenings, and they all took a light supper outdoors and then went for a walk by moonlight in the surrounding fields and hills before retiring for the night. But they always arose before sunrise.
During the third month of the visit, St. Elizabeth begged her young cousin, whom she loved deeply, to stay with her at least until the birth of Zachary' son. “Let me see my child in your arms, dear Mary,” she pleaded. “Do not deny this consolation to me, nor this great happiness to my son.” With her usual prudence, Mary agreed that they should both pray to know God's will. And the Lord said to her:
“My Dove, assist My servant Elizabeth at her childbirth. And after her son shall be circumcised, return to thy home with Joseph. And continue to pray to Me for the salvation of souls.”
A few days later, while Mary prayed fervently in her room for both mother and child, with only moderate pains St. Elizabeth gave birth to a fine baby son, who was destined to be the holy Forerunner of Christ. After he was wrapped in the swaddling clothes made by Mary's own hands, the Blessed Virgin came into her cousin’s room and took the babe into her arms. The newborn child already had the use of reason by a special grace, and knowing that Mary bore in her womb the Word Incarnate, he gazed at her with great love and adored his Lord in her with intense humility and thanksgiving. Holding him in her arms, Mary offered him to the Eternal Father and prayed for him and for his future ministry. Then, while St. Elizabeth looked on with keen joy, Mary lovingly caressed the saintly child -but she did not kiss him, as she wished to keep her chaste lips untouched for her own divine Son.
Naturally this extraordinary birth after so many years of childlessness was generally considered almost a miracle, and numerous friends and relatives came to congratulate Zachary and Elizabeth, whose joy and gratitude were touching. Then in a private talk Mary informed her cousin that neither she nor her husband was destined by God to live very long and that they should therefore be still more generous in their charity to the poor, for the Lord would take care of their son. And she helped her good hosts prepare and distribute numerous gifts to the poor.
Eight days after his birth, the baby boy was circumcised, and during the discussion as to his name, his father Zachary wrote on a tablet: “His name is John” In that very moment, at Mary's prayer, he recovered the use of his voice and joyfully broke forth into the inspired canticle, the Benedictus:
“Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, because He has visited and wrought the redemption of His people ... that, delivered from the hand of our enemies, we should serve Him without fear, in holiness and justice before Him all our days. And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Most High, for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways, to give to His people knowledge of salvation through forgiveness of their sins, because of the loving kindness of our God.”
A few days later St. Joseph came to accompany Mary back to Nazareth. Then the Blessed Virgin said a sad farewell to her dear cousin and her husband. Kneeling before Zachary, she took his hand and begged him to bless her and to forgive her for all her faults while in his house. The old priest, who knew now that she was the chosen Mother of the Messias, was deeply moved, and giving her his blessing he said: “In thee let all nations know their God, and through thee let the name of the Lord of Jacob be glorified”
Next Mary consoled St. Elizabeth, who was heartbroken at seeing her leave, and taking the child John in her arms again, Mary gave him many mystic blessings and graces, while he whispered to her: “You are the Mother of God Himself may your intercession never fail me!” And he kissed her hand three times. Then, after St. Joseph had also bid farewell to his good friends, Mary kneeled before him for his blessing, and they set out on their journey home.
During this four-day trip the Blessed Virgin mercifully healed a poor woman who was partly possessed by evil spirits, and she also converted to a better life an innkeeper who received her and Joseph kindly. Because she was now in her third month with child, she was more easily fatigued. And now she prayed more than ever that the Lord might assist St. Joseph with special graces and understanding when he became aware of her condition, as would inevitably happen soon. For she knew that she could not explain God's holy secret to him until the Lord Himself allowed her to do so.
CHAPTER 11 : TEMPTATIONS, TRIALS & TRIBULATIONS
When the Blessed Virgin and St. Joseph returned to their home in Nazareth after their visit to St. Elizabeth, Mary proceeded to set her house in order and to clean it, with the help of her angels, while St. Joseph applied himself to his carpentry work.
Now Lucifer and his devils were sorely puzzled by Mary's exceptional holiness. However, they did not think that she was the Virgin chosen to be the Mother of the Messias, because besides having a husband she was also extremely poor and modest in her way of living. Nevertheless Satan was enraged against her, due to her sanctity, and he therefore decided to send seven legions of his devils to tempt her in each of the seven capital sins. But Mary was warned by the Lord, who said to her: “My spouse and My dove, I will be with thee in battle, since I am in thy virginal womb. I wish that thou confound these enemies before I appear in the world, and I trust this victory to thy fidelity and thy love.”
Mary was deeply moved as she replied: “My Lord, I belong entirely to Thee. Thou hast condescended to be my Son. Do with Thy servant whatever shall be to Thy greater glory. For if Thou art in me, and I in Thee, who shall be powerful enough to resist Thy will? Give me strength.”
Then while Mary was praying alone, left only to her natural force, God allowed the first legion of devils to tempt her to pride. To make her stop praying, they tried to terrify her by howling and roaring at her. But Mary did not change her position or show any fear. She simply repeated the words of the Psalm: “Who is like unto God, who dwells on high and looks down upon the humble in Heaven and on earth?” Then the devils changed themselves into resplendent angels and tried to convince Mary that they came from God in order to congratulate and praise her, but they gave themselves away when they promised to select her as the Mother of God! The Blessed Virgin, prostrate on the floor, withdrew within herself and quietly yet firmly continued to pray and adore the Lord.
Next the second legion of demons tried to tempt her to avarice by offering her great wealth in gold and jewels, telling her that God wanted her to distribute it to the poor, since it was far better for a holy person like her to have all these riches than to leave them to be misused by wicked sinners. Mary did not argue with the devils. She merely prayed these words of the Psalmist: “I have acquired for my heritage and for my riches the keeping of Thy testimonies and Thy laws, my Lord.”
When the third group of devils sought to tempt the Blessed Virgin to impurity, she renewed her vow of chastity with such fervor and merit that her enemies were driven from her presence like a cannonball from a cannon.
Then the fourth legion did all they could to provoke her to anger. They posed as some women whom Mary knew and shouted outrageous insults and threats at her and stole the things she needed most. But Mary saw through their tricks and utterly disregarded them. Then one of the devils took on the appearance of a woman of Nazareth and told an easily influenced neighbor that Mary had criticized and slandered her. The deceived woman, who often lost her temper, hastened to go and insult Mary to her face. The Blessed Virgin calmly allowed her to pour forth all her anger and then spoke to her in such a kind and humble way that soon the woman’s heart softened and she apologized. Mary warned her against letting herself be stirred to anger by the devil, and after giving the poor woman some alms dismissed her in peace. Even the demons were astounded, for they had never seen anyone react that way.
The fifth legion had no success at all in tempting Mary to gluttony. Then the spirits of envy gave her a long list of natural blessings and spiritual favors which God had bestowed on others but denied to her. They also induced several prosperous persons to describe to her the happiness of those who are rich and well off and fortunate in worldly things. But Mary simply told them that they should thank the Lord for all they had and use it well, while she judged herself quite unworthy of such favors.
Finally the last legion of devils tried to tempt her to idleness by making her feel tired and dejected, suggesting that she postpone certain prayers and good deeds on account of weariness, so that she might do them all the better after having rested. They also sent people to bother her and take up her time in order to prevent her from doing good. But Mary prudently detected these plots and did not allow the devil to keep her from her prayers and good works.
By now Lucifer was so enraged against Mary that he himself strove with all his might to hurt her and the Child in her womb, for he feared that anyone born of her would naturally be a great enemy of his. Therefore, assuming the form of a horrifying monster, he rushed at the Blessed Virgin. Howling and shooting forth fire and fumes from his mouth, he sought to terrify her. But though Mary saw and heard him, she remained as unmoved as if he were nothing but a gnat. Then, in order to poison her mind, the Father of Lies began to recite every falsehood and heresy known to history concerning God and His Truth. But Mary firmly proclaimed the various truths opposed to these errors and sang hymns of praise to the Lord. When she prayed to God to prevent the devils from spreading false teachings so freely throughout the world, the Lord did in fact set narrower limits to the demons' activities.
In one last attempt Lucifer stirred up a bitter quarrel over property among Mary's neighbors by taking on the appearance of a woman known to them and by convincing them that Mary was the true source of all their trouble. Consequently the entire group went to St. Josphs home and harshly accused Mary of disturbing their peace. Instead of defending herself, Mary humbly and patiently begged her neighbors to forgive her if she had offended them, and then she pacified them by proving that none of them had really done anything against the others. Finally, after another useless attack by all the demons together, Mary was allowed to command the defeated devils to return to Hell. And as a reward the Lord Himself appeared to her with all her angels and honored her, while she joyfully and modestly praised the Author of all good.
Now that the Blessed Virgin was in her fifth month of pregnancy, one day when St. Joseph saw her coming out of her oratory, he could not help noticing the evident change in her condition, which she did not once try to conceal. But he was completely unable to explain what he saw so clearly. Naturally, because he loved his dear wife so tenderly, he felt a keen stab of grief in his heart. Yet, as he was a holy and just man, he withheld his judgment, though he began to worry over the matter more and more. He dreaded the terrible thought that he might be forced to give her over to the authorities to be stoned, according to the Law of Moses. But he did not dare to speak to her about this delicate subject, since she did not volunteer any information. And so he turned to the Lord in frequent and fervent prayers, saying: “Most High God, my grief is almost killing me! My reason proclaims her blameless, while mv senses accuse her. What shall I do? Why does she conceal this matter from me? Yet I withhold my judgment .... Receive my tears as an acceptable sacrifice. I do not believe that Mary has offended Thee. Govern Thou my mind and my heart.”
Meanwhile St. josephs suffering was known to Mary, and it filled her affectionate heart with intense compassion for him. But she felt obliged to keep God great secret to herself until He gave her permission to reveal it to anyone. With deep wisdom and confidence, she resigned the whole matter into the hands of Divine Providence. And she sought to comfort her good husband in his trouble by serving him with still more devotion and thoughtfulness. She served him at table, offered him a chair, and often she knelt before him. All the time, with the Word Incarnate in her womb, she was growing in health, gracefulness and loveliness.
St. Joseph, on the contrary, was so troubled in mind and heart that he was wasting away from weakness and emaciation. Mary spoke to him anxiously about his health and urged him to take some rest and recreation. And in great sorrow she prayed fervently to the Lord to console her unhappy husband.
After bearing his tribulation patiently and nobly for two months, St. Joseph finally came to the sad conclusion that the best thing foi- him to do was to absent himself, and he decided to leave his home that same night at midnight. After packing some clothes in a bundle, he prayed to God: “O Lord, I find no other way to restore my peace.... I do not believe my wife an adulteress. So I will withdraw from her and pass my life in a desert. Do not forsake me, my Lord!” And prostrating himself on the ground he made a vow to go to the Temple in Jerusalem and offer up a sacrifice in order that God might help and protect Mary Then he took a brief rest.
Meanwhile Mary, knowing what he was planning to do, also prayed to God: “I beseech Thee, Lord, not to permit him to carry out this decision and leave me!”
And the Lord answered her: “My dearest dove, I shall presently visit My servant Joseph with consolation. And after I shall have revealed to him by My angel the mystery which is now unknown to him, thou mayest tell him openly about all I have done with thee. I will fill him with My Spirit, and he will assist thee in all that will happen.” This divine promise greatly relieved Mary.
Now the Lord mercifully sent the Archangel Gabriel to St. Joseph while he slept, and though Joseph did not see the angel, he distinctly heard the inner voice say to him: “Do not be afraid, Joseph, son of' David, to take to thee Mary thy wife, for that which is begotten in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she shall bring forth a Son, and thou shalt call His name Jesus. For He shall save His people from their sins.”
Understanding this great mystery for the first time, St. Joseph awoke with the overwhelming realization that his wife Mary tvas actually the Mother of the Messias. He was filled with joy and at the same time with sorrow for having doubted her. Prostrating himself on the floor, he humbly gave thanks to God for having revealed this Mystery to him. Then he began to blame himself for all that had happened, exclaiming: “O my heavenly wife, how could your unworthy slave have dared to doubt your faithfulness? How is it that I have not kissed the ground that your feet touched? Woe is me all my thoughts were open to her sight ... also that I intended to leave her! O my Lord and God, give me strength to ask her forgiveness, so that for her sake Thou mayest pardon my great fault!”
Then, shedding tears of repentance, St. Joseph unwrapped his bundle, went out of his room, and began to scrub the floors on which Mary walked, and to do other chores that he had formerly left to her, for he resolved henceforth to be her servant in all things.
Early that morning when he knew that Mary had finished her first prayers and meditation, he went to her room and threw himself on his knees before her with the deepest reverence saying: “My spouse, Mother of the Eternal Word, I beseech you to pardon my audacity. I am certain that none of my thoughts are hidden to your heavenly insight. Great was my presumption in deciding to leave you instead of serving you as the Mother of my Lord. But you know that I did it all in ignorance. Now I consecrate my heart and my whole life to your service. I will not rise from my knees until I have obtained your pardon and your blessing.”
Raising him to his feet, Mary knelt before him and said with tender joy and love: “My master and my husband, I should ask you to forgive me for the sorrow and bitterness which I have caused you. As much as I wanted to, I could not on my own account give you any information about the Holy Sacrament hidden within me by the power of the Almighty. But I will always be your faithful servant. The Lord has not made me His Mother in order that I should be served in this life, but in order that I should be the servant of all and your slave. That is my duty.”
As St. Joseph raised her from her knees, the pure and humble Mother of God was filled with the Holy Spirit. All aflame and transfigured in a mystical ecstasy, she recited the Magnificat. Seeing her surrounded by a bright radiance of heavenly light, St. Joseph with profound humility and reverence bowed his head and adored his Lord in her womb. And God looked down upon good St. Joseph with kindly favor and accepted him as His foster father, filling his pure heart with holy graces.
Mary and Joseph in Nazareth
After learning that Mary was the chosen Mother of God, St. Joseph was changed spiritually into a new man. He resolved henceforth to act toward her with much greater reverence. Whenever he passed her or spoke to her alone, he respectfully genuflected, and he would no longer let her serve him or clean the house or wash the dishes. As she protested, he did these chores during the time which she spent in contemplation. Therefore in her humility Mary appealed to the Lord, and St. Joseph’s guardian angel was sent to tell him: “Exteriorly allow her to serve thee, and interiorly treat her with the highest reverence. Always worship in her the Lord of all creation. It is His will and His Mother's to serve and not to be served, in order to teach the world the value of humility.”
The modest home of the holy couple contained only three rooms: St. Joseph’s bedroom, his workshop, and Mary's room. In the latter was a couch which Joseph had made. Now when he came to talk with her in her room, he often found her in ecstasy raised above the ground, or conversing with her angels, or prostrate on the floor in the form of a cross. At such times he heard heavenly melodies and noticed a marvelous fragrance, which filled him with deep spiritual joy.
Mary's outer garments were of a gray color. Underneath she wore a cotton tunic. Nothing that she wore ever became soiled or worn, and she always kept herself immaculately clean. She ate very sparingly and took no meat, though she prepared it for Joseph. She usually ate cooked vegetables and bread, fruit and fish.
St. Joseph and Mary now frequently read and discussed together the various prophecies in Holy Scripture concerning the Messias, especially all that related to His birth. But out of consideration for her husband, the Blessed Virgin did not dwell on the Redeemer's sufferings and death. Often during these conversations, St. Joseph would become so moved by Mary's inspiring words that with tears of joy in his eyes he would exclaim:
“Is it really possible that I shall see my God in your arms, and hear Him speak, and touch Him – that He will live with us – that we shall eat at the same table with Him and talk with Him? I do not deserve this good fortune, which no one can ever deserve! Oh, how I regret that I am so poor!”
Then Mary answered: “My master and husband, the Lord is coming to redeem the world and to guide men on the path to life eternal, and this is to be done by means of humility and poverty. In humility and poverty He wishes to be born, to live, and to die, in order to break the chains of greed and pride in the hearts of men. That is why He chose our poor and humble home and did not want us to be rich in passing goods, which are but vanity and which darken the understanding.”
When St. Joseph asked Mary to instruct him in the various virtues and in the love of God, she did so with touching humility and skill, often by putting questions to him which of themselves suggested the right answers. She also taught him how to make his daily labor more a practice of virtue than mere manual work.
Although both St. Joseph and Mary performed work for others, they never demanded any wages or set a price on their labor. As they worked not for gain but for charity or to supply a need, they left the payment to their employers and accepted it as a freely given alms rather than an earned reward. Joseph learned this perfect degree of sanctity in economic matters from Mary.
Several times during this period they found themselves so poor that they even lacked necessities, for they were extremely generous in their gifts to the needy and they never stocked up food or clothing for the future. In her faith and humility Mary blessed the Lord for this poverty, which was a source of profound spiritual consolation to her. But she asked God to supply Joseph’s wants. And the Lord heard her prayers. Sometimes He moved their neighbors to bring them gifts or to pay off a debt. At other times St. Elizabeth sent them presents, which Mary always acknowledged by sending in return some work of her hands. On rare occasions she commanded her friends, the birds, to bring some fish or fruit or bread, and St. Joseph marveled when he saw the birds come down and place this food in her hands.
One day it happened that they had nothing at all to eat at mealtime. So Mary and Joseph each retired to their room and persevered in prayer, thanking the Lord for this privation and begging Him for help. Meanwhile angels prepared the table and set on it fresh white bread and fish and fruit and a wonderfully sweet and nourishing jelly. When they called the holy couple in to this truly Heaven-sent meal, the Blessed Virgin and her husband wept tears of humble gratitude while they sang hymns of praise and thanks to God.
As Mary's pregnancy was now far advanced, one day she said to St. Joseph: “My master, it is time that we prepare the things necessary for the birth of my holy Son. If you give me your permission, I will make the various clothes ready. I have already woven a piece of linen for His first swaddling clothes. Now please try to find some woollen cloth of soft texture and plain color for the other coverings. Later on I will weave a seamless tunic for Him. But let us pray to the Lord together for guidance in treating Him worthily.”
Then as they knelt in prayer, each heard a Voice saying: “I have come from Heaven to earth in order to exalt humility and discredit pride, to honor poverty and scorn riches, to destroy vanity and establish truth, and to enhance the value of labor. Therefore it is My will that exteriorly you treat Me according to the humble position which I have assumed, as if I were your natural child, and that interiorly you love and revere Me as the Man-God, Son of My Eternal Father.”
Soon in exchange for his work Joseph obtained two pieces of woolen cloth of the best quality available, one white and the other gray. Of these Mary made the first little robes for her Son. From the linen which she had already woven as a present for the Temple, beginning the first day in her home in Nazareth, she made the swaddling clothes. While doing this work for the Child in her womb, she remained on her knees all the time and often shed tears of devotion and love. From some flowers and herbs which St. Joseph gathered, she extracted fragrant essences and sprinkled them over the clothes. Then she folded them neatly and laid them away in a chest, saying to herself: “My sweetest Love, when shall my eyes enjoy the light of Your divine face? When shall I as Your mother receive my Beloved's tender kiss? But how shall a poor insignificant worm like myself ever be able to treat You worthily? Look graciously upon me and let me take part in all the labors of Your life, since You are my Son and my Lord.”
And then one day St. Joseph, while away from home on an errand, heard that a recently proclaimed Roman edict ordered all heads of families in Palestine to be registered on the tax lists in their native cities. When he sadly told Mary this disturbing news, she answered reassuringly: “Do not let this edict cause you any concern, for all that happens to us is ordained by the Lord, and in all events His providence will assist and direct us.”
“Nevertheless,” said St. Joseph anxiously, “please pray that I may not have to be separated from you, for my heart would not have a moment's peace away from you, and I dare not leave you alone without help. But your delivery is too near for me to ask you to go with me to Bethlehem, for I fear to place you in any risk, because of your condition and my poverty—I would be heartbroken if the Nativity should occur on the way amid inconveniences that I could not alleviate.”
Mary obediently presented St. Joseph’s petitions to God, although she already knew that her divine Son was to be born in Bethlehem. And she received the following answer to her prayer:
“My dearest dove, accompany My servant Joseph on the journey. I shall be with you and I shall assist you with paternal love in the tribulations you will suffer for My sake. Although they will be very great, do not fear.”
Her heart being thus prepared for what lay ahead, Mary calmly told St. Joseph that she was going to travel with him. He was filled with joyful consolation, and thanking the Lord, he said to her:
“My Lady, now my only source of grief will be the hardships you will have to undergo. But in Bethlehem we shall find friends and relatives, and there you will be able to rest from the journey.”
Mary said nothing about the trying circumstances which she knew the Lord had decreed for His birth, though she fully realized that they would be far different from what Joseph expected. She always kept to herself all the secrets of God which she was not told to reveal. Instead she now said to her good husband, quietly and humbly:
“My master, I will accompany you with great joy. And we will make this journey as poor people, in the name of the Lord, for He will not despise poverty, which He has come to seek with so much love. Relying on His help, we will go with confidence to Bethlehem.”
CHAPTER 12 : MARY AND JOSEPH'S JOURNEY TO BETHLEHEM
At six o'clock on a cold, wet, mid-winter morning, the Blessed Virgin and St. Joseph set out from Nazareth on their journey to Bethlehem. Mary was mounted sidesaddle on an unpretentious little donkey, and St. Joseph guided the animal with his right hand, holding his staff with his left. Two bags hanging on the beast's right side contained their provisions: some bread, fruit and fish, and the linens which Mary had lovingly prepared for her baby. Ten thousand angels marched along with them in dazzling forms visible only to their Queen. She and St. Joseph alternated with this heavenly choir in singing canticles and hymns of praise to God.
The first evening they found themselves in a windy, uninhabited valley. After a long day on the rough road, the Blessed Virgin, who was suffering keenly from the cold, told St. Joseph that they would have to stop there for the night. So he pitched their little tent under a great old turpentine tree near a fountain. God miraculousl warmed Mary and she placed her hands in her husband's to share the warmth with him.
Then they took some supper. Poor St. Joseph was very kind to Mary, and suffered much to see her in pain. He tried to cheer her by describing enthusiastically the excellent lodging they were sure to have in Bethlehem.
The next morning at half past five they went on. By noon the donkey became tired, so Mary dismounted and continued on foot. Soon they arrived at a farm and rested a while.
After another hour's climb through the hills, they came to a fine-looking inn comprising several buildings with gardens. Here they were received by the owner's wife, and remained all the next day, as it was the Sabbath. Some women with their children came to visit Mary and were deeply impressed by her wisdom and reserve. They were also very touched when they watched her instruct their children in religion. She explained it to the little ones so lovingly that they could not take their eyes away from her face. St. Joseph spent the afternoon walking through the gardens with his host, whom he greatly edified by his simple piety.
The following day they traveled over twelve miles and spent the night with some hospitable shepherds. On this trip they avoided the great, crowded caravan roads as much as possible, and also they detoured around the city of Jerusalem to the east, though this took them much longer.
The next night, in a cold rain, they came to an isolated house. St. Joseph knocked on the door and asked for shelter. Without opening, the heartless man within shouted that he was not running an inn and they should leave him alone! They went on until they found a shed, where Joseph prepared a resting place for Mary. Then he fed the donkey, and after a light supper and players they took a few hours' sleep.
The last night thev spent in a large farmhouse, though the owner's wife, who was young and conceited, treated them coldly because she was jealous of Mary's beauty (thirty years later Our Lord found her all bent over and blind, and after reproaching her for her vanity and heartlessness He healed her). Here St. Joseph was warned that Bethlehem was very crowded, but he replied that he had friends there and was quite sure of being well received.
Toward the end of the trip they made many stops, as Mary found traveling more and more trying. Nevertheless, knowing the secrets of the souls she met, she prayed for them and assisted the sick and afflicted by asking her holy Son to come to their aid.
They arrived at Bethlehem about four in the afternoon and made their way through the crowds to a large building where public officials were taking the census and levying taxes. Mary rested in the court, and several women generously gave her something to eat. St. Joseph went into a big room, where he was asked his name and occupation. He replied that he owned no property, but lived from his manual labor.
Later, as the sun was sinking, they began to look for a lodging. While Mary waited at the end of a street, Joseph went down it from house to house, knocking at the doors of his relatives and acquaintances, but he was admitted nowhere and in many places he met with harsh refusals and insults. Each time he came back to Mary, he was more and more upset. She knew that the hearts and houses of men were to be closed to them. And although to expose her condition at her young age to the public gaze was more painful to her modesty than their failure to find a lodging, still she meekly followed her husband through the crowds.
At one end of the village they found a big tree, and under the shelter of its spreading branches Mary waited and rested for a long time, first standing and then sitting with her legs crossed under her. Many people passed by and stared at her as she sat there so patiently and humbly in her long, white dress and veil, with her hands folded on her breast and her head lowered.
Finally, about nine o'clock, St. Joseph came back, utterly overcome, crying and trembling with heartbreaking sorrow.
Mary consoled him tenderly. Then he told her of a shepherds' shelter outside the town. And she said: “That will be perfectly satisfactory to me. Let us lovingly embrace poverty, dear Joseph, and go gladly wherever the Lord guides us.”
Upon entering the bare grotto which the shepherds used as a stable, they both knelt and thanked the Lord, and Mary was filled with joy at being at last in this holy place. She immediately set about cleaning the cave with her own hands, out of humility and reverence. St. Joseph hastened to do likewise, and the angels helped them. Next he started a fire, as it was very cold, and they ate a frugal supper, their souls overflowing with happiness at the thought of the impending Incarnation.