Joseph, son of David, fear not to take to thee Mary
thy wife, for that which is conceived in her
is of the Holy Ghost (St. Matt. i. 2O)
In due course of time, it became evident that
Mary was to be a mother. She had said not a
word to St. Joseph about the Angel's visit, and her
holy Spouse knew not what to think. Yet she was
still silent. She left it to God to vindicate her in
His own good time. How different her conduct
from my eagerness to justify myself!
St. Joseph, like a faithful and prudent man,
did not act without due deliberation. How miserable he must have been during those weeks of
hesitation! He could not suspect Mary of evil;
yet there was the clear evidence of fact. The true
solution was one no one could have supposed possible. He meditated to send her away quietly--
what an agony to lose his precious Spouse! Yet
patiently and prudently he waited and prayed.
God does not forsake His servants in their
distress. An Angel by night announced to Joseph
that he was the Spouse of the Mother of God--the
foster-father of the King of Heaven. What joy
must have inundated his soul! how he must have
cried out in the joy and gratitude of his heart.
The Lord is indeed good to those who hope in Him!
Jesus, Mary, Joseph, I give you my heart and my soul!