|
February 6th: Mary at Nazareth
The life that Mary led at Nazareth was the
nearest to the life of the Blessed in Heaven that
had ever been witnessed in this valley of tears. In
some respects we may say that it was even a happier
life than that of the Angels and other Saints
before the throne of God, for it had in it the germ
and hope of promise of a life far more glorious
than that of any other of the holy ones of God.
Even on earth she loved God more perfectly, and
was more closely united to Him, so far as was possible
to one who was not yet in possession of the
Beatific Vision. Yet Mary's life was full of crosses and trials. None ever suffered as she, because none ever shared so fully in the life of the Man of Sorrows; yet in spite of this she was intensely happy. Learn that suffering borne for God is not a source of misery or unhappiness, but goes hand in hand with joy and peace and cheerfulness and lightness of heart. What was the source of Mary's joy? It was the presence of Jesus. How could she be aught else but joyful in His Divine company? What was the source of her sorrow? It was the knowledge that her Son and God would be rejected, and set at naught, and one day would endure an agony that none of the sons of men could bear, save only He, whose Divine Nature joined to His Humanity gave Him an indefinite capacity for suffering. This thought it was that made Mary always sorrowful, even as she gazed on His Divine beauty. Do I ever feel any real sorrow at the thought of the sufferings of Jesus?
Music: The Shepherds' Farewell
from L' Enfance du Christ Op. 25 by Hector Berlioz
1. Thou must leave Thy lowly dwelling,
The humble crib, the stable bare. Babe, all mortal babes excelling, Content our earthly lot to share. Loving father, Loving mother, Shelter Thee with tender care! 2. Blessed Jesus, we implore Thee With humble love and holy fear. In the land that lies before Thee, Forget not us who linger here! May the shepherd's lowly calling, Ever to Thy heart be dear! 3. Blest are ye beyond all measure, Thou happy father, mother mild! Guard ye well your heav'nly treasure, The Prince of Peace, The Holy Child! God go with you, God protect you, Guide you safely through the wild! |