Flower

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Tuesday, December 3, 2024

25 Days with St. Joseph: From Nazareth to Bethlehem-Day 4

“Saint Joseph was a just man, a tireless worker, the upright guardian of those entrusted to his care.” — St. John Paul II


Good afternoon Lord.


Once again, I am doing my prayers to You in the afternoon because it was quite a busy morning. But first, I want to thank You for helping me yesterday to find the perfect transportation for Mary to go to Ein Kerem. 


As You know, right after Mary went back to her home, I left the carpentry shop. I went to visit some neighbors that had placed a large order of furniture for me to build for them. I asked them if they would be willing to pay me in advance with a donkey. They were surprised at my request, but they knew that the value of the furniture I would be making for them was much higher than the value of a donkey. Therefore, they agreed, and they gave me one of their donkeys.


I then walked over to Mary’s house, and I knocked at her door. Mary opened, looked at me, and when she noticed the donkey by my side, her eyes opened as big as saucers. 


“I thought that this humble beast would help make your journey more comfortable,” I told her, “so I place it at your service, Mary.” 


She hugged me and thanked me saying: “Joseph, this is far too generous, but I accept it because it will make my journey much more comfortable.”


Mary’s aunt and uncle invited me to stay for dinner. I accepted, and while her aunt prepared dinner, her uncle and I helped Mary to mount everything on the donkey. After dinner, I went to my house and retired for the night. I read the scriptures, said my evening prayers, and went to sleep right away because I wanted to wake up early to bid Mary good-bye.


This morning, I woke up before the crack of dawn, and rushed to Mary’s house. I accompanied her to where she was supposed to meet the rest of the travelers. I blessed her, hugged her, and wished her well.


It’s only been a few hours since she left, and I already miss her. Even though we still don’t live together, I go visit her every night. The next four months are going to be very difficult. Thankfully, I have a lot of work to keep me occupied.


Please Lord, accompany Mary on this journey. Do not allow any hardships to come her way. May all go well for her, and may her cousin Elizabeth bring forth a healthy baby into this world.


Reflection:


When Joseph found out that Mary would be going on a long journey, he went looking for a donkey to make the journey easier for her. How do I act when I know that someone could use my help? Do I act in haste or do I take time to ponder what is the proper way to help? I must place myself at the service of others with kindness and humility.


Copyright © 2024 Christy Romero. All rights reserved.


Resources from the following books are being used on this journey:

  1. The Mystical City of God: A Popular Abridgement of the Divine History and Live of the Virgin Mother of God by Venerable Mary of Agreda
  2. Consecration to St. Joseph by Fr. Donald H. Calloway
  3. Las Palabras Calladas: Diario de Maria de Nazaret by Pedro Miguel Lamet 


  1. All Bible references are from the New American Revised Edition Bible (NAREB) unless otherwise specified.

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