“To be just is to be perfectly united to the Divine Will, and to be always conformed to it in all sorts of events, whether prosperous or adverse. That St. Joseph was this, no one can doubt.” — St. Francis de Sales
Good evening Lord.
It’s been a whole month since Mary left, and I miss her terribly. At least, I know that she arrived safely. The family that she traveled with returned after their sick relative passed away. They told me that they had left Mary settled in Elizabeth and Zacharias’ home, and that she was doing fine. They said that Mary has been helping Elizabeth with all the household chores, and she has also been sewing the swaddling clothes in which the baby is to be wrapped and reared. I am sure that Elizabeth is very happy to have her around. This gives me great comfort that even though I miss her, she is where God has called her to serve.
The family that accompanied her to Ein Kerem also shared with me that Zacharias had become mute. Apparently, right before Elizabeth became pregnant, it was Zacharias turn to enter the temple and burn incense as part of his priestly duties. This was a once-in-a-lifetime honor. And when the time for the burning of incense came, all the assembled worshipers were praying outside. Zacharias was in the holy place for a very long time. Meanwhile, the people were waiting for Zacharias, and wondering why he stayed so long in the temple. When he came out, he could not speak to them. They realized he had seen a vision in the temple, for he kept making signs to them but remained unable to speak. When his time of service was completed, he returned home. Shortly thereafter, Elizabeth became pregnant, and for five months remained in seclusion. They did not know the reason for this, but I am sure Mary will share it all with me in due time.
I have decided that I will go to Ein Kerem to pick up Mary. I don’t think I could withstand the worry that I experienced when she left for a second time. Not knowing whether she had arrived safely caused me great anxiety. And at least, at that time, I knew that she was accompanied by people we knew. She may not be so lucky on her return. Therefore, I will wait two more months, to give time for Elizabeth to have her baby, and then I will head out to Ein Kerem. If she’s not ready to return, I will stay there as long as she needs me to. But she’s definitely much more important to me than any work I will have to turn down.
In the meantime, I have been extremely busy at the carpentry shop. The cradle that I made for our neighbors was a complete success, and other expectant parents have placed orders for similar cribs. I have also been building a lot of furniture. This keeps my mind occupied so I’m not constantly thinking about Mary.
Her aunt, my sisters, and other ladies from our town have been busy with our wedding preparations. We all want the wedding to take place as soon as Mary returns, especially me. I can’t wait to take her into my home and make her my wife.
It’s late and I must now rest. I have a long day ahead of me tomorrow.
Good night, Lord.
Reflection:
Even though Joseph had a lot of work, he knew that Mary was more important, so he was willing to drop everything in order to serve her. We all have responsibilities, but God and family should always come first. How do I prioritize my work or my daily responsibilities? If I have to drop everything in order to serve a loved one, do I get upset or do I pray for discernment so God can help me to make the right decision?
Copyright © 2024 Christy Romero. All rights reserved.
Resources from the following books are being used on this journey:
- 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
- Consecration to St. Joseph by Fr. Donald H. Calloway
- Las Palabras Calladas: Diario de Maria de Nazaret by Pedro Miguel Lamet
- All Bible references are from the New American Revised Edition Bible (NAREB) unless otherwise specified.
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