25 Steps with Mary: From Nazareth to Bethlehem-Day 14

“An angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife; for the Child who has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.” Matthew 1:20

I was sitting down by the window, pondering whether I should obey Joseph and return to Elizabeth and Zacharias’ house, when I saw him. Joseph was practically running towards my house. I knew that something must have happened to him during the night. I ran to the door, and I opened it.

“Mary,” he screamed. My name in his lips sounded like the song of a blue jay. The music woke up in me all the memories of the love that we shared. “Mary!” He ran towards me, and without saying another word, he hugged me. I felt like the earth once again was still, and I knew that God had answered my prayers.

I invited him to come in, and to share a simple breakfast with me, made up of fresh baked bread, milk and figs. Once we ate, he told me about the dream that he had during the night. “I’ve hardly slept, Mary. But I must have dozed off, and I felt as if I was floating. Mary, I was happy, like the night when we sat outside your house to contemplate the moon and the stars, and I told you that you smelled like jasmine and lily of the valley. Then I saw a bright light, and an angel of the Lord appeared to me. He said: ‘Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife; for the Child who has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.’” (1)

Joseph also told me that when he woke up, at first he doubted whether he should believe a dream. But then he remembered the stories that the rabbi would tell us in the synagogue, about how God would speak to our ancestors through dreams. He also realized that the peace that he was feeling at that moment was not of this world. “Therefore, I did not doubt anymore,” said Joseph. “I grabbed my coat, and I ran all the way here because I needed to hug you. Mary, I still don’t understand, but my love for you is bigger than what my mind can comprehend. Help me to understand, Mary.”

It took an angel to reassure us both that God had found a way. No human knowledge of science can explain such a thing. Only those who listen to angels’ voices can pierce that mystery. Joseph’s worries were overcome by a revelation from an angel. The very words of the angel: “Do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife”, made him believe the impossible, and in an act of supreme faith, he pushed fear aside, and he accepted the mystery. Of course, I think that the reason why he was able to believe so easily is because there was already in his heart a belief in the Messiah, Christ, who was to come. Joseph knew that the Messiah would be born of the family of David, and he himself was of that family. He also knew of the prophecies concerning the Child, even the one of Isaiah that He would be born of a Virgin. If Joseph had not already been described as a just man, the message of the angel would have been enough to have inspired great purity in him.

Joseph’s eyes were still red from all the tears that he had shed in the previous days. His hands were shaking, but in his eyes, I saw peace and love. I hugged him hard, and I felt that on that day, our love had reached perfection. I had finally become his spouse, because nothing unites two souls that love each other more than the sharing of a secret. Therefore, all anxiety and anguish now leave Joseph, as his soul is filled with reverence and awe for the love of our secret, the Son of God.

Today, our Child united the three of us for all eternity.

Reflection:

Have I ever heard God talk to me in my dreams? How about in the silence of my heart? If I feel that I have heard God’s voice, do I pay attention or do I ignore it? What is God asking of me at this very moment?

Copyright © 2019 Christy Romero. All rights reserved.

References:

1. Matthew 1:20-21

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. The World’s First Love: Mary, Mother of God by Fulton J. Sheen
3. Las Palabras Calladas: Diario de Maria de Nazaret by Pedro Miguel Lamet
4. My Soul Magnifies the Lord: A Scriptural Journey with Mary by Jeanne Kun

All Bible references are from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise specified.

25 Steps with Mary: From Nazareth to Bethlehem-Day 13

“Be gracious to me, O Lord, for I am in distress; My eye is wasted away from grief, my soul and my body also. For my life is spent with sorrow.” Psalms 31:9-10

A few days passed and I did not hear a word from Joseph. I never suffered such intense agony as in those days when despite myself, I brought worry to Joseph, who was so just. Finally, five days after he found out, he came back to visit me.

“Mary,” he said to me, “It seems impossible to believe you guilty, because of your goodness and purity. But yet, you are expecting a child that is clearly not mine.”

I just nodded and didn’t say a word. I was waiting for some sign from God to reveal the secret to Joseph, but since I did not receive any more messages from God to disclose the mystery, I kept the secret concealed within my heart.

“I cannot continue with our betrothal, Mary, under these circumstances” said Joseph. “Yet, at the same time, I do not want to deliver you to the authorities to be stoned. I could not bear that punishment for you because I know that you have a good and gentle heart. I do not know how this could possibly have happened to us, but I know that I don’t want to shame you publicly. I do not wish to injure your reputation of holiness by involving you in the punishment of the law; yet at the same time I cannot stand by and witness the consequences of your pregnancy. Therefore, the best solution would be for me to divorce you quietly. You should return to Elizabeth and Zacharias’ house until the birth of the baby. I will leave now, Mary, and commit myself to the providence of the Lord, who governs me. Be safe, Mary, and may the Lord go with you.”

My heart broke into a million pieces when I heard his words. At night, I said a prayer to the angel Gabriel, who had come to announce God’s message to me. “I beseech you, angel Gabriel, to present before God’s clemency the afflictions of my spouse Joseph. Beseech the Lord to look upon him and console him as a true Father. And you also, who so devotedly obey His words, hear likewise my prayers; in the name of Him who is infinite, and to whom I am to give human shape in my womb, I pray, beseech and supplicate you, that without delay you assist and relieve my most faithful spouse in the affliction of his heart and drive from his mind and heart his resolve of leaving me.”

I also prostrated myself on the floor, and prayed directly to God: “Lord and God of my soul, I see Joseph overwhelmed by the tribulation, which You have sent him. If I have found grace in your eyes, I beseech You, Lord and eternal God, by the love which obliged You to enter into the womb of your humble servant for the salvation of mankind, to be pleased to console your servant Joseph and dispose him to assist me in the fulfillment of your great works. Do not permit, my Lord and God, that he execute his resolve and withdraw from me.”

I want to trust the Lord with all my heart, but tonight, I am feeling very anxious.

Reflection:

Many times I feel a lot of anxiety, just like Mary did. How do I react when I feel anxious? Do I turn to the Lord or do I try to resolve the problems on my own?

Copyright © 2019 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. The World’s First Love: Mary, Mother of God by Fulton J. Sheen
3. Las Palabras Calladas: Diario de Maria de Nazaret by Pedro Miguel Lamet
4. My Soul Magnifies the Lord: A Scriptural Journey with Mary by Jeanne Kun

All Bible references are from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise specified.

25 Steps with Mary: From Nazareth to Bethlehem-Day 12

“Joseph her husband, being a righteous man and not wanting to disgrace her, planned to send her away secretly.” Matthew 1:19

Joseph knows. I knew it the minute I saw him. He came to see me yesterday, in the afternoon. As opposed to the previous night, there was no joy in him. This time, he did not bring me flowers. We did not sit outside to talk and enjoy each other’s company.

When I saw him coming towards the house through my window, he looked like he had aged ten years. He was carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders. That’s how I knew that he knew.

He knocked at the door, and I opened it. I was home alone. “Is it true?” he asked me. I did not have to answer him. He could read the truth in my eyes. “Who told you?” I asked him. “Clopas came to congratulate me,” he said. “I guess you mentioned it to Salome, and she told Clopas.” We had a short conversation. I wanted to explain it all to him, but how could I? “He would never believe my story,” I kept telling myself. Joseph was a normal, simple, hard working man. He was not going to believe stories about celestial messages. Our short conversation concluded with him saying: “I don’t understand.” I could tell that he was at the verge of crying, but he was holding back the tears. I wanted to hug him. I wanted to tell him that I was the same Mary that he loved. I wanted to tell him that I was still a virgin, that I had not been with another man. But I didn’t say a word. When he left, he looked like a very old man.

I hardly slept last night. My soul was full of tenderness and compassion for the suffering that I knew I had caused Joseph. “I waited too long,” I kept telling myself. “Maybe if I had told him before he found out through his brother Clopas, he would have believed me.” I kept praying to the Lord to please send an angel to Joseph, just like he had sent one to me to announce the good news.

I finally resigned the whole matter into the hands of divine Providence. Although my compassion for Joseph and my love for him made me anxious to console and comfort him, I had to wait and trust that the Lord would make things right in His time, not mine. I knew that somehow Joseph had to be part of the plan, and that he had been chosen by God to be the earthly father of His Son. I just had to be patient, and allow God to reveal His plan to Joseph in His own peculiar way.

It’s morning now, and though I should be busy with domestic duties, it’s like if all the energy has been extracted from my body. My aunt asked me if I was sick, since she was concerned that I was still in my room long after the sun came out. I must have looked pale to her because she told me that it would be best if I stayed in bed and rested. I am alone now, writing on my journal.

I knew that Salome could not keep the secret. Yes, she did not tell Joseph directly, but she had to tell someone, and sure enough, Joseph found out. But it was not fair to blame Salome completely. Joseph was going to find out sooner or later. I just wished it had been later.

My biggest concern was thinking about what Joseph needed to do. According to our laws, he was obliged to deliver me to the authorities to be stoned, for this was the punishment of an adulteress convicted of the crime. But I could not imagine that the Lord would allow this. If I was carrying God’s Son, surely He would protect us.

I prayed to the Lord to console Joseph, and to reveal the mystery to him, just like He had revealed it to Zacharias and Elizabeth.

Reflection:

Mary had the same worries and fears that any young girl in her condition would have experienced. Who is Mary to me personally? What is her place in my life? When have I said "yes" to God, not knowing the consequences or outcome of my obedience?

Copyright © 2019 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. The World’s First Love: Mary, Mother of God by Fulton J. Sheen
3. Las Palabras Calladas: Diario de Maria de Nazaret by Pedro Miguel Lamet
4. My Soul Magnifies the Lord: A Scriptural Journey with Mary by Jeanne Kun

All Bible references are from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise specified.

25 Steps with Mary: From Nazareth to Bethlehem-Day 11

"When His mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child by the Holy Spirit." Matthew 1:18

Salome, Joseph's sister, came to visit me today very early in the morning. She is one of my closest friends in Nazareth. She wanted to know all about my visit to Elizabeth, and the birth of the mysterious child that everyone is talking about. Salome and me are as different as a lion and a lamb. I cherish my silent moments while Salome can never be quiet, not even when we attend the synagogue on the Sabbath. She is always laughing and dancing, even without music. At the same time, she has a heart of gold. She is always the first one to take a plate of food to the poor man that sits by the entrance to our town, and she always helps the older ladies to carry their dirty clothing to the river or to bring the water from the well.

I prepared a simple breakfast for her, made up of milk, bread and grapes. We sat to talk, and I told her everything that I had done during my three months with Elizabeth. "Do you think that John is the promised Messiah?" she asked me. I did not want to reveal too much, so all I told her was that I knew that he had an important mission, but I did not know if he was the Messiah. While I was with her, I felt weak and she had to help me get up. This had not happened to me while I was visiting Elizabeth, and it had to happen with Salome. "Mary, what's wrong? If I did not know you better, I would think that you were expecting." I must have turned the color of a ripe tomato, because she looked at me, and said: "I don't believe it. You are expecting." I told her, "Salome, it's not what you think..." She did not allow me to finish. "Mary, you don't need to be embarrassed. You are betrothed to my brother. You would not be the first woman to become pregnant before the official ceremony. In the eyes of the Lord, you are already married."

I decided that the best weapon was to keep silent, and not share more information than I needed to.  But Salome would not stop asking me. "Come on, Mary, you have to tell me. When did it happen? Was it before you left to Ein Kerem or when Joseph went to pick you up?" I finally told her to please not share the news with anyone since I still had not said anything to Joseph. "Don't worry, Mary, your secret is safe with me." 

Finally, after two hours, Salome left. I went to my room, and I knelt on the floor to pray. "Lord, you are my rock and my salvation. Please, You need to guide me. If Salome knows, pretty soon everyone else will know too. Salome is not known for being able to keep a secret. She will tell someone, and before long, Joseph will find out. Please, Lord, let me know what I should do. Should I tell him? And how? And when? I have so much confusion within my heart, that I need You. Do not abandon me now, oh Lord."

The day continued as if nothing was different. I broomed the floors and cleaned the dust from the furniture. Then, I went to find my aunt to help her with the clothing. She was washing in the river, so I stayed there to help her, and then to bring the pile of clean clothing back home to hang in the clothesline. We talked about my upcoming wedding. It seemed to be the preferred topic at all hours of the day and night. She was finishing my dress, and she wanted my opinion on which flowers to use for the headpiece. I could not care less whether she used daisies or jasmine. I had much bigger worries on my mind, but I did not want to disappoint my aunt, so I told her that daisies would be fine. "Who knows if there will even be a wedding?" I thought to myself.

At night, Joseph came to visit. He brought me wild flowers that he picked up on the way. We sat outside to contemplate the moon and the stars. He was so in love with me that it showed through his pores. He looked radiant and full of joy. I thought of telling him that night, but how could I destroy his happiness? "Let him be happy for a few more days," I told myself.

When he left, he hugged me, and told me that I smell like jasmine and lily of the valley. Oh, what I would have done to prevent the agony that his heart was sure to experience in a short amount of time. If I could stop time, I would have stopped it tonight.

Reflection:

Who are the people I tend not to think about much? Who are the people I would not miss if they were out of the picture? Lord, develop in me a compassionate heart, just like Salome.

Copyright © 2019 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. The World’s First Love: Mary, Mother of God by Fulton J. Sheen
3. Las Palabras Calladas: Diario de Maria de Nazaret by Pedro Miguel Lamet

4. My Soul Magnifies the Lord: A Scriptural Journey with Mary by Jeanne Kun

All Bible references are from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise specified.

25 Steps with Mary: From Nazareth to Bethlehem-Day 10

“And Mary stayed with her about three months, and then returned to her home.”

I am back in Nazareth. Four days after John was born, Joseph showed up in Ein Kerem unexpectedly. The family that I had traveled with from Nazareth, had already returned after their sick relative passed away. Joseph had a small break in his work, and decided to go pick me up. He did not want to risk that I would need to return by myself in a caravan with complete strangers.

On arriving at the house, Joseph was welcomed with indescribable reverence and devotion by Elizabeth and Zacharias; for now also the holy priest knew that he was the guardian of the sacramental treasures of Heaven, though this was yet unknown to Joseph himself. I received him in modest and discreet jubilation. Yes, I was very happy to see him, but at the same time, I was worried, because I knew that I would soon need to share my secret with him, and I did not know what his reaction would be. The spiritual part of me, wanted to trust God blindly, but the human aspect, was filled with doubts.

When I first saw Joseph, I knelt before him and asked for his blessing. I also asked for his pardon, for not having been by his side for nearly three months during my visit with my cousin Elizabeth. Joseph answered that there was nothing to pardon since I had asked his permission, and he had granted it. My duty was to serve my cousin Elizabeth, and I had acted accordingly.

We stayed in Ein Kerem until baby John was circumcised, but two days later, we departed. I was able to spend a few minutes alone with Elizabeth, Zacharias, and baby John, while Joseph mounted on the donkey our few possessions, and the food that we would take on our journey. Zacharias addressed me with the greatest reverence. “My Mistress,” he said, “praise and bless eternally your Maker, who in His infinite mercy has chosen you among all His creatures as His Mother, as the sole Keeper of all His great blessings and sacraments. Be mindful of me, your servant, before your Lord and God, that He may lead me in peace through this exile to the security of the eternal peace which we hope for, and that through you I may merit the vision of His Divinity, which is the glory of the Saints. Remember also, O Lady, my house and family, and especially my son John, and pray to the Most High for your people.”

Joseph was held in high veneration by Zacharias and Elizabeth; for they had come to know his high dignity before he himself was yet aware of it. Zacharias gave him a blessing, and Joseph, happy in his Treasure, the full value of which as yet he did not know, took leave of all and we departed for Nazareth.

The first part of our journey, we were on our own. Once again, I noticed angels accompanying us, and even though the angels were in corporeal form, they were visible only to me. This time alone with Joseph, gave me time to converse with him. We spoke about what had been happening in Nazareth while I was gone, and about the preparations for our wedding. He told me that everyone was very excited about the upcoming nuptials, which would take place in less than two months. We also spoke about deeper subjects of our faith. We talked about the salvation of souls and the mercies of the Lord, of the coming of the Redeemer, of the prophecies given to the ancient Fathers concerning Him, and of other mysteries and sacraments of the Most High.

When we reached Jerusalem, we joined a caravan that was traveling towards Nazareth, since it would not be safe for just the two of us to travel alone. Even though there was an army of angels guarding us, Joseph was not aware of their presence, so for his peace of mind, I allowed him to make the arrangements. We spent one night in Jerusalem, and the next morning, we were on our way with a group of twenty-one travelers made up of men, women, and children.

The return trip was much easier than the journey from Nazareth to Ein Kerem. We did not encounter any bandits in our path, nor any wild boars. The worst part of the journey was the heat. We were already at the peak of summer, and it was excruciatingly hot when we were crossing the desert. Joseph did everything in his power to lighten my discomfort. I proceeded most of the way seated in the saddle of the humble beast that Joseph had brought me for the journey.

It took us four days to return to Nazareth. And here I am now, knowing that a Holy Life is growing within me, but still keeping the secret to myself. I can hear the barking of dogs in the distance, while I sit in the same chair where the angel found me more than three months ago. Oh, how I wish that the angel would return, and give me a hint as to how I should share the news with Joseph. But all I have around me is silence. No angelic light, no holy vision.

Please, Lord, tell me what to do. Should I tell him? Or should I just wait until he notices? I can already feel a small bump in my belly. In another month, I will not be able to hide it any longer. What should I do, Lord? Please enlighten me.

Reflection:

Joseph was held in high veneration by Zacharias and Elizabeth for they had come to know his high dignity. What can I learn from Joseph’s example? What is his place in my life?

Copyright © 2019 Christy Romero. All rights reserved.

25 Steps with Mary: From Nazareth to Bethlehem-Day 9

“Now the time had come for Elizabeth to give birth, and she gave birth to a son." Luke 1:57

Today, Elizabeth gave birth to a beautiful baby boy. She went into labor in the early morning hours, and I was sent to call Zacharias’ sister who has helped in many deliveries. Our Lord displayed His great mercy toward Elizabeth, and the delivery was fast and easy. Elizabeth asked me to take the newborn child into my arms, and I offered him as a new oblation to the eternal Father. I pronounced this prayer for him: “Highest Lord and Father, all holy and powerful, accept in your honor this offering of your most holy Son. He is sanctified by the Only-begotten and rescued from the effects of sin and from the power of your ancient enemies. Receive this morning’s sacrifice, and infuse into this child the blessings of your Holy Spirit, in order that he may be a faithful minister to You and to Your Only-begotten Son.” I perceived how the Lord enriched this child, and how He had chosen him as my Son’s Precursor. I also felt within me the effects of His admirable blessings.

In the afternoon, many relatives and other acquaintances of the house of Zacharias came to visit Elizabeth and meet the newborn baby. While they were gathered, they began to speak about the arrangements for the circumcision of the child, which according to our Jewish law, would need to take place on the eighth day. Complying with the custom observed among us Jews, especially among the more distinguished, in order to resolve upon the name to be given to the child; for, in addition to the ordinary preparations and consultations concerning the name to be given to a son, the high position of Zacharias and Elizabeth and the news of the miraculous fecundity of the mother naturally suggested the existence of some great mystery to the minds of all their relations. Zacharias was still mute, and therefore it was necessary that Elizabeth should preside at this meeting. Over and above the high esteem which she inspired, she now exhibited such evident signs of the exalted renewal and sanctification of her soul, that all her relatives and friends noticed the change. I looked at my cousin, and I also noticed that she exhibited a kind of effulgence which made her mysteriously attractive. The relatives then appealed by signs to Zacharias, who, being unable to speak, asked for a pen and declared his will by writing upon the tablet: “John is his name.” The relatives were all astonished because no one among them was called by that name, and they expected the baby to be called Zacharias, like his father. Everyone kept murmuring, “‘What then will this child turn out to be?’ For the hand of the Lord was certainly with him.” (1) At the same time, Zacharias found himself freed from his affliction, and, to the astonishment and fear of all present, he began to speak:

“Blessed be the Lord God of Israel,

For He has visited us and accomplished redemption for His people,

And has raised up a horn of salvation for us

In the house of David His servant—

As He spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets from of old—

Salvation from our enemies,

And from the hand of all who hate us;

To show mercy toward our fathers,

And to remember His holy covenant,

The oath which He swore to Abraham our father,

To grant us that we, being rescued from the hand of our enemies,

Might serve Him without fear,

In holiness and righteousness before Him all our days.

And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High;

For you will go on before the Lord to prepare His ways;

To give to His people the knowledge of salvation

By the forgiveness of their sins,

Because of the tender mercy of our God,

With which the Sunrise from on high will visit us,

To shine upon those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death,

To guide our feet into the way of peace.” (2)

The whole household of Zacharias was in awe. They thought that in his prayer, he was referring to his newborn child. But I knew that the first part of the prayer was addressed to my Son, the God of Israel. Zacharias had been mute for nine months, and when he is finally able to speak, the first words he utters are a blessing, not to his son, but to my Son.

After everyone left, and the house was quiet once again, I had the opportunity to sit down with Zacharias. He told me that his household had been sanctified by the presence of the incarnate Word in my womb. He also explained to me how an angel had appeared to him while he was burning incense at the Temple, and told him that his wife, Elizabeth, would bear a son, and that he should name him John. The angel also told him that John would prepare the people for the Lord, my Son. I asked him what had caused his muteness, and he told me that he had not believed the angel’s words, and thus the angel had decreed that he would be silent and unable to speak until the day when these things took place. That day was today, and thus, Zacharias had regained his speech.

I am now in my room, pondering all these things in the silence of my heart. I know that my time with this blessed family is coming to an end. This fills me with sadness because I have drawn towards myself all their happy hearts. Zacharias told me that during these three months that I have spent with them, I have obtained for them from my most holy Son the plenitude of celestial gifts. When the time to leave arrives, this knowledge will fill me with joy and give me the courage to return to Nazareth.

Reflection:
Mary pondered in the silence of her heart all the events that were taking place in her life. How do I ponder the events that God sends to my life? How do I seek to understand God’s purpose?
References:
1. Luke 1:66
2. Luke 1: 68-79

25 Steps with Mary: From Nazareth to Bethlehem-Day 8

“Mary stayed with her about three months...” Luke 1:56

I have been with Elizabeth for almost three months. The baby should be born any day now. Elizabeth’s belly is so big that she can hardly walk. I, on the other hand, I’m not showing yet, even though I have completed my first trimester.

Elizabeth spends most of the day resting with her feet up. She is more comfortable sitting up, so even at night, she sleeps in a chair with cushions and blankets all around her. She has been experiencing a lot of back pain, and if she lays flat, she can hardly breathe. I am handling all of the household responsibilities. It took some effort on my part to be able to convince her because she wanted to carry her share, but she soon realized that for her baby’s sake, she needed to rest.

Everything is ready to receive the baby. Zacharias and his brother built a wooden cradle. I finished sewing the swaddling clothes and coverlets in which the baby will be wrapped upon the birth. I also knitted a few woolen blankets. Even though it’s now summer and the days are very hot, the nights can be cool here near the mountains.

The days are busy with chores, but I still make time for prayer and meditation. My conversations with Elizabeth have also helped me to quench my fears, and answer all the questions that have been swirling around in my mind. One of the biggest questions that I had within me was why God would have chosen me, such an ordinary and simple girl, to be the mother of the Messiah. Elizabeth made me comprehend that God chose me before I was even born. Elizabeth told me these words: “Mary, since you were a little girl, I knew that you were different from all the other children. You had a purity about you that was not normal for a child. You were undefiled, free from moral impurity. I always thought that if I could look within you, your soul would be white as snow. Your whole personality has always been to be at the service of God and others. You have been immaculate since you were conceived. It’s as if God preserved you free from the stain of sin, so you could be a pure vessel to carry His Son.”

I remembered the words of the Magnificat that bursted from my heart when I first encountered Elizabeth: “My spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior for He has had regard for the humble state of His bondslave.” And yes, my spirit rejoices because God has looked down on my lowliness.

Elizabeth continued talking: “The larger the emptiness of a nest, the bigger the bird that can be housed therein. God chose you because your soul has room for Him. He looked for a humble heart, a heart empty of pride, and the emptiest heart He could find, He filled it with His very Self. Lowliness and exaltation are combined in you, Mary. Lowliness because you judge yourself to be unworthy of being the Mother of Our Lord; exalted because God, looking upon what you believed was nothingness, created a world out of nothing.”

Elizabeth has also quenched my fears about what will happen to me if Joseph and my family do not believe that even though I am with child, I am still a Virgin. Elizabeth told me: “Mary, do not worry. If God has chosen you to be the mother of His Son, He is not going to abandon you. He will not allow anything bad to happen to you. I do not know how He will let Joseph know, but I do know that Joseph has a big part to play in this story.”

Every day before I retire for the night, I prostate myself on the floor, and I pray to my Lord: “Lord and God of my soul, I beseech You to open the heart of Joseph to accept me and your Holy Child, once he learns that I am expecting. It would not be good that I be left without a husband for a protection and guardian. Do not permit, my Lord and God, that he withdraw from me.”

I trust my Lord and God that when the time is right, He will reveal the truth to my dear Joseph.

Reflection:

Elizabeth’s words to Mary indicate that Elizabeth, just like Mary, had a very close relationship with God. How is my relationship with God? How is my relationship with Mary? In what ways do I honor her? I should pray to the Holy Spirit for inspiration and guidance so my relationship with Mary can deepen and grow during this Advent Season.

Copyright © 2019 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. The World’s First Love: Mary, Mother of God by Fulton J. Sheen
3. Las Palabras Calladas: Diario de Maria de Nazaret by Pedro Miguel Lamet
4. My Soul Magnifies the Lord: A Scriptural Journey with Mary by Jeanne Kun