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

25 Steps with Mary: From Nazareth to Bethlehem-Day 7

“The people were waiting for Zacharias, and were wondering at his delay in the temple. But when he came out, he was unable to speak to them; and they realized that he had seen a vision in the temple; and he kept making signs to them, and remained mute. When the days of his priestly service were ended, he went back home.” Luke 1:21-23

I arrived to Ein Kerem a month ago. Time flies here. We wake up before the sun rises, and we go to bed past midnight. There is so much to do, the day just gets away from me. I have had no time to write on my journal because after dinner, Elizabeth and I spend hours talking, until sleep overcomes us. She usually falls asleep first, since the advanced pregnancy is taking a toll on her. After she retires to her room, I just have time to say my evening prayers. Today, she was not feeling well, so she went to her room right after dinner. I miss our evening conversation, but this has given me time to write on my journal.

One of the first conversations I had with Elizabeth was regarding Zacharias’ muteness. She told me that right before she 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.

I figured that whatever had happened inside the temple was directly related to Elizabeth’s pregnancy. Was it possible that Zacharias also had a visit from an angel like I did? One night, I asked Zacharias directly if an angel had visited him. He looked at me, and he nodded. I said a prayer for him, hoping that one day he will be able to regain his speech, and share with us what transpired within the temple.

Elizabeth told me that the reason why she went in seclusion for five months was because she previously had various miscarriages. She did not want to share her pregnancy with anyone until she was certain that this pregnancy would be successful. After five months of rest and prayer, she knew that the Lord had a special plan for this child, and it was time to share her joyful news with the world.

One of the things that I have been doing for Elizabeth is to sew and prepare the swaddling clothes and coverlets in which her baby is to be wrapped and reared. Elizabeth humbly asked me for this favor. I have, with incredible love and subjection, complied with her request. It is my wish to serve my cousin, in humility and obedience, as the lowest handmaid.

However, I feel that I am receiving from Elizabeth more than what I am giving her. Yes, I am helping to alleviate her burden by taking on a lot of her chores: cooking, cleaning the house, baking the bread every morning, going up to the well to get water, sewing the clothing for the baby, and other menial jobs. But Elizabeth has become my mentor. She understands what I am feeling. She comprehends what I am going through. She experienced some of the same fears I have been feeling when she found out that she was pregnant.

God has placed Elizabeth in my life as a kind of spiritual mother -- a pregnant mother at that! Elizabeth is nurturing me and encouraging me to trust in the Lord. Elizabeth has become an instructor and teacher, a friend and confidant, my mentor and advocate. I believe that God has given Elizabeth to me for a special period of time and for a special purpose. God, in His amazing grace and mercy, has brought us together. Elizabeth has become my safety net.

I came to serve my cousin, but I am receiving so much more.

Reflection:

Elizabeth acted as a mentor to Mary during the time that they were together. How has someone mentored me in the Lord? How has God used me to mentor others? There are people in my life right now that need my time. God has placed them there for me to mentor, to encourage, and to strengthen their faith. I need to be available when they need me. In the rush of our culture, I need to make sure that I don't miss the opportunities that God places in my path.

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

25 Steps with Mary: From Nazareth to Bethlehem-Day 6

“Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.” Luke 1:42

After five long days, today I finally arrived to Ein Kerem. I went in a hurry to Elizabeth’s house, only to be greeted by Zacharias. Well, not precisely greeted. Zacharias is mute. He cannot speak. I have no idea what has happened to him. The last time that I saw him, he could speak without any problems. I guess Elizabeth will shed light on what has happened. But in the meantime, my priority was to find Elizabeth. Zacharias told me, in sign language, that Elizabeth had gone up the hill. I figured that she had gone to get water, since the well that provided water for the town was way up on the hill. I could not wait to see her, so even though I was exhausted from the long journey, I rushed up the mountain to find her.

It was a steep climb. The road was rocky so I had to be careful not to slip and fall. And to think that my cousin made this climb every single day in her condition. I knew right then and there that I would take this chore from her.

I found my cousin resting by the well. I called out to her: “Elizabeth!!!” She turned around, and her face was illuminated at seeing me. I ran to her and I hugged her. “The Lord be with you, my dearest cousin,” I greeted her. Even though Elizabeth is almost thirty years my senior, and could have been my mother, she is my favorite cousin.

And then, the strangest thing happened. When Elizabeth heard my greeting, the child in her womb jumped. I was able to see the baby move in her stomach. Elizabeth touched her protruding belly, and she cried out with a loud voice: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And how has it happened to me, that the mother of my Lord would come to me? ” (1)

How did she know? Was she also visited by an angel? Elizabeth has confirmed what the angel told me. I am the mother of God. I received the Spirit of God through an angel; Elizabeth received it through me.

Then Elizabeth proceeded: “When the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby leaped in my womb for joy. And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what had been spoken to her by the Lord.” (2)

Elizabeth is praising me for believing in God, and for my “yes.” Something profound has just taken place in our meeting. Elizabeth and her baby have responded to the presence of God among them. They have recognized that I am carrying the Son of God within me.

“God has become a child, and so he wants first to be known and adored by a child... God is a child, the world ignores, heaven adores; and a child is the first person in the universe to recognize and adore him.” (3)

Then I was filled with the Holy Spirit, and I responded with words that could only come from God. A song of gratitude to God springs from my heart, and leaps with joy to my lips, just like Elizabeth’s baby leaped with joy in her womb:

“My soul exalts the Lord,

And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.

For He has had regard for the humble state of His bondslave;

For behold, from this time on all generations will count me blessed.

For the Mighty One has done great things for me;

And holy is His name.

And His mercy is upon generation after generation

Toward those who fear Him.

He has done mighty deeds with His arm;

He has scattered those who were proud in the thoughts of their heart.

He has brought down rulers from their thrones,

And has exalted those who were humble.

He has filled the hungry with good things;

And sent away the rich empty-handed.

He has given help to Israel His servant,

In remembrance of His mercy,

As He spoke to our fathers,

To Abraham and his descendants forever.” (4)

After I finished reciting this beautiful Magnificat, I smiled through tears of joy. I realized that in this song, I gathered up the soul melodies of my people: the song of David and all my ancestors. But my song refers not to the past but to the future, when the Law of Fear will give way to the Law of Love, and when a new life will arise in a promise of sanctity and praise.

We walked down the mountain, almost skipping in joy like we used to do in the summers when we would spend them together. We were rejoicing with one another over the coming births of our children, and the different ways God had blessed us. It made me realize that we were just two ordinary women, but God uses the most ordinary of people from the most ordinary places to accomplish extraordinary things. I have no illusions about my own worthiness. I don’t know why God chose me, but I do know that the reason has nothing to do with any merit of my own. I am unworthy of the honor bestowed upon me, but I accept it with humility. I will cooperate with God, and proclaim His glory.

When we arrived back to the house, Elizabeth offered me the room which she herself was accustomed to use for her prayers, and which was much retired and accommodated to that purpose. I accepted the chamber with humble thanks, and I am here now in quiet solitude reflecting on this day. I have no petitions but only praise.

Even before He is born, my Son belongs to others. He is not and will never be mine alone. By myself, I am nothing, and I have nothing. He is everything! My spirit rejoices because He has looked graciously upon the lowliness of His handmaid, because He whose name is Holy, has wrought these wonders to me. I magnify Him. Nothing takes precedence over Him who is God the Creator, the Lord of history, and the Savior of mankind. All praise, all honor and thanksgiving is due to God.

Tomorrow, the purpose of my visit will begin. I will serve and assist Elizabeth as a handmaid, until she delivers her baby. I will spend the first trimester of my own pregnancy supporting my older cousin. Then, I will return to Nazareth.

Reflection:

Mary and Elizabeth rejoiced with one another over the different ways God had blessed them. How do I react when I see others blessed by God? How can I live my life so that my actions bring glory to God? I need to glorify God through prayer for His blessings in my life.

Copyright © 2019 Christy Romero. All rights reserved.

References:
1. Luke 1:42-43
2. Luke 1:44-45
3. Cardinal Pierre de Berulle
4. Luke 1: 46-55

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

25 Steps with Mary: From Nazareth to Bethlehem-Day 5

“Mary arose and went in a hurry to the hill country, to a city of Judah.” Luke 1:39

The sky has started to turn rosy as spring twilight turned to sunset. Our journey began four days ago. I have not been able to write on my journal daily like I would have liked, partly because after walking five to six leagues per day, I am exhausted by the time we set up camp. But mostly, because simply the nights have been too dark for me to be able to write. Tonight, it’s a clear night, and the moon is so bright, that I am able to see sufficiently to be able to record what our journey has been like. The night is cool but I have covered myself with a heavy woolen cloak that my aunt knitted for me. Tube-like socks and enclosed shoes are protecting my feet. I can smell the scent of olives in the air.

I will start at the beginning, on the first day of our journey. Before the sun came out, I was on my way to meet the rest of the caravan. There were six family members going, so I would be the seventh traveler. But on our way, we met another group that was going in the same direction to Jerusalem, so we joined them. We are now a total of sixteen traveling together, plus two small children.

As soon as we took off, I noticed the presence of angels accompanying us on our journey. It seems that I am the only one that can see them since nobody else has said a word. I have not shared what I’m seeing with anyone either. I feel that the angels have been sent to protect me and my Holy Child. At one point on our journey, we ran into a group of men that clearly did not have good intentions. They were either bandits, pirates of the desert or robbers. All the women from our group were very worried, but I knew that the angels would not allow anything to happen to us. As the men were approaching, a snake crossed in front of their horses scaring and scattering the horses. This gave us time to put distance between us. The men from our group have been taking turns at night keeping vigil. I wish I could tell them that there is no need, that there is an army of angels guarding us. But they would think that I have lost my marbles. And thus, I remain quiet and I ponder all these things in the silence of my heart.

We should have reached Ein Kerem today, but the journey has been arduous, and we have not been able to move as fast as we would have liked. First, we traveled south along the flatlands of the Jordan River. We then headed west through the Judean desert, and since yesterday, we have been climbing the hills surrounding Jerusalem. We have had to trek uphill through three mountain ranges, nearly 1,336 feet in elevation. Also, on the second day, while we were crossing through the desert, we encountered a sand storm. We had to stop and take cover under our cloaks and blankets. We were only able to complete four leagues distance on that day, so that caused a big delay on our travel plans.

Another travail took place while we were traveling through the heavily forested valley of the Jordan River. A wild boar came out of the woods and was coming straight at us. At that moment, all the angels surrounded me, but I was terrified that something would happen to my traveling companions. Luckily, one of the man from the group going to Jerusalem had a bow and arrow, and he killed the boar on the spot. I felt bad for the boar, but had he not done that, the boar would have attacked, and the results could have been horrific.

It certainly has been a grueling trip, but on a positive note, all the persons traveling in our caravan have been wonderful. We all help each other out. I am blessed that my pregnancy is not causing me any morning sickness, like I hear happens to many women. Nobody has noticed anything strange about me. I have been able to keep up with the rest of our group. Sometimes I walk, and if I feel tired, I just climb in top of the donkey. What a wonderful help this little donkey has turned out to be. He carries my few provisions. In wineskins, he carries water. My aunt also packed a lot of bread. We share everything that we have brought. Mostly, breakfast consists of dried bread. At lunch, we eat more bread dipped in oil, and in the evening, herbs with oil and bread.

We are very close to Jerusalem, so tomorrow morning we should be there. Ein Kerem is just two leagues further south. We should get there by noon or early in the afternoon. I cannot wait to see my cousin. I have so many questions that I want to share with her so she can help me make sense of my predicament. Why has God chosen me? What is Joseph going to say when he finds out? Will he still marry me? What will the rest of my family say? Who is going to believe me? What lays out there in my future? What is going to happen to me if they don’t believe me? All of these questions, doubts and fears have been swirling around in my mind as I journey towards Ein Kerem. What a long and lonely road this has been since I’ve had no one to talk to about my fears. Of course, I talk to God, but I need another woman’s perspective. I am eager to confide my fears and confusion to my cousin who I hope will accept the miraculous.

Now, I must rest. I say my evening prayers, and I go to sleep with the knowledge that God is leading the way, and that the angels are protecting us. I should have the answers to my questions soon.

Reflection:

On this journey, Mary carried the Word incarnate within her as she passed through the hill country of Judea. Like her, we are to carry God’s word with us through the mountains and valleys of daily life. In what ways, do I share God’s word with others? What can I do to show others that Jesus is very much present today, like he was 2,000 years ago?

25 Steps with Mary: From Nazareth to Bethlehem-Day 4

“Elizabeth became pregnant, and she kept herself in seclusion for five months, saying,‘This is the way the Lord has dealt with me in the days when He looked with favor upon me, to take away my disgrace among men.’” Luke 1:24-25

Today was quite a busy day. It started as usual. I woke up early, said my morning prayers, and then I baked some bread for our breakfast. My uncle left the house early with the promise that he would inquire if anyone would be going to Ein Kerem in the next few days, or at the very least, to Jerusalem which is only two leagues distant from Ein Kerem.

Once my uncle left, I told my aunt that I was going to work on his new tunic. His birthday is coming up soon, and I’m sewing him a new tunic as a gift. The one he currently has is very old, and has been mended so many times that it’s starting to look like a patched up tablecloth.

When my uncle began to question our neighbors if anyone was planning to go towards the region of Judea, it turned out that a family from Nazareth was leaving to Ein Kerem the next day to visit a sick relative. He rushed back home, and entered the house almost running. I had to rapidly hide his tunic in the basket so he would not see it, but he was in such a hurry that he did not even notice.

“Mary, Mary,” said my uncle. “A family from Nazareth is leaving to Ein Kerem to visit a sick relative, but they go tomorrow at first light. You must hurry if you want to visit your cousin for an opportunity like this will not come around twice.”

I jumped up from my chair, and rushed out of the house to find Joseph. He was at his carpentry shop working on a wooden cradle. The irony of it did not escape me. I would need a cradle too in a short amount of time, but Joseph had no idea.

He was surprised to see me as it was not my custom to visit him at the shop. “Mary, what are you doing here? Has something happened?” “No, Joseph,” I told him. “Nothing serious has happened, however, I have found out that my cousin Elizabeth whom everyone thought was barren, has conceived in her old age and is now in her sixth month. I feel that it is my responsibility to go to Ein Kerem to help her since Elizabeth is like a sister to me. But I would like your permission and your blessing for me to go on such a long journey.”

Joseph smiled, and said to me: “Mary, if you feel you must go, then I will not stand in your way. Just be careful and take care of yourself during the journey. The dirt path that wounds through the mountainous region is a popular place for bandits, who could surprise unsuspecting travelers. I wish I could go with you but I have a lot of work right now that I must finish. I would be more comfortable knowing that you are going with persons that we know.”

I hugged Joseph and I told him that he was the most generous and caring man on earth. I explained that I would be leaving at first dawn with a family that we both knew well, and that I would return just as soon as Elizabeth was able to care for the baby on her own. “It will be four months at most,” I said to him. “And my aunt with all her lady friends will continue with the wedding preparations while I’m gone. I promise you that there will be no delays, and as soon as I return, the wedding can take place as planned.”

He took my hands, and said to me: “I trust you, Mary. I know that you will return and soon I will be able to take you into my house as my wife.” I felt awful keeping my secret from him, but I knew that the time had not yet come for me to reveal it.

I rushed back home to prepare my few belongings for the arduous journey. I was almost done, when I heard a knock at the door. I opened it, and there was Joseph with a donkey by his side. “I thought that this humble beast would help make your journey more comfortable, so I place it at your service, Mary.” If I had not loved him already, I would have fallen in love with him right then and there. I thanked him for his generous offer and I accepted it.

My aunt and uncle helped me to mount everything on the donkey, and I retired for the night. I read the scriptures, said my evening prayers and now I must go to sleep because in just a few hours I will need to wake up to begin the journey. However, I am so excited that I know I’m going to have trouble sleeping tonight. I can’t wait to see Elizabeth. She’s going to be so surprised to see me. I will definitely share my secret with her because if someone will understand, it will certainly be her who has also received a gift from God. If nothing else, at least Elizabeth will believe my story about the angel appearing to me, and letting me know that Elizabeth was six months pregnant.

Please Lord, allow this visitation to have the fruits that my heart so desires. Please, let Elizabeth understand and comprehend what I am going through, and give me some advice as to how I should approach Joseph. And please, allow me to serve her in the last stages of her pregnancy. May all go well for her, and may she bring forth a healthy baby into this world.

Reflection:

How do I respond to God when He asks the unimaginable of me? How can Mary’s example help me trust God and His intentions for me? I must trust that God has my best interests at heart. Even when He asks me to do something that seems impossible for me to accomplish, I can use Mary as an example of strength and courage in the midst of uncertainty.

25 Steps with Mary: From Nazareth to Bethlehem-Day 3

“Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your petition has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you will give him the name John.” Luke 1:13

Last night, I heard God’s voice in my dreams. He said to me: “My Dove, do not fear, for I will assist you and guide you, directing you in all things necessary for the service of my Only-Begotten Son. And do not worry about Joseph, when the time comes, he will believe you.”

With this promise, my first action was to prostrate myself on the earth and adore my holiest Son, God and Man, conceived in my virginal womb. Once I finished my morning prayers, I began my preparations for my journey to Ein Kerem to visit my cousin Elizabeth.

Ein Kerem is twenty-six leagues (1) distant from Nazareth, and the greater part of the way is very rough and broken, unfit for a young Virgin Maiden. It will take me at least four days to get there, therefore, my first responsibility was to convince my aunt and uncle to allow me to go by myself. Well, not precisely by myself. A woman is not allowed to travel alone. Even for a man, it would be quite dangerous. We travel in groups. But unless I could find a group from Nazareth planning a trip to Ein Kerem, which was unlikely, I would need to travel with complete strangers.

Late in the afternoon, I sat with my aunt and uncle. I told them that news had reached me that my cousin Elizabeth was expecting a child. They were surprised at the news because Elizabeth was already passed the child-bearing age. I told them that she was already in her sixth month, and being that she was older, I felt it was my duty to go and help her. “I will spend three to four months with her,” I said. “The next three months will be the most difficult, and I can help her with the household chores.”

My aunt and uncle looked at each other, and it was my aunt that spoke first: “Mary, you are always thinking of others before you think of yourself. You have always been a special girl with a very big and generous heart. But Mary, you are betrothed to Joseph. The wedding will take place in just a few short months. If you are gone for four months, this may cause a delay in the preparations. Joseph may not be happy with this news. Elizabeth has plenty of relatives that live nearby that can help her. Please, reconsider and don’t be too hasty with your decision.”

Before I responded to my aunt, I said a silent prayer to the Holy Spirit to put the proper words in my lips so I could convince them. “My dear aunt,” I replied, “I agree with you that Elizabeth has plenty of relatives that can help her, but they all have their responsibilities, and none are as close to her as I am since they are all on Zacharias’ side of the family. Elizabeth has always been like a sister to me, and I know that she will feel much more confident having me by her side. As far as my wedding, there is no reason to delay it. You and the other ladies of our town are doing such a great job with the preparations, that you don’t need me to be present. I trust your judgment completely, and I know that you will make all the right choices for the festivities. As for Joseph, I will speak to him, and I am certain that he will understand.”

Now, it was my uncle’s turn to speak. He said to me: “Mary, Mary. When my dear brother Joachim was on his death bed, I promised him that I would look after you and your mother. And when your mother Anna got sick two years ago, I made the same promise to her. A journey to Ein Kerem is very dangerous, and I would not be honoring the promise that I made to your parents if I were to allow you to go with complete strangers. Let me talk to our neighbors tomorrow, and if it just so happens that someone is going in that direction, I promise that I will allow you to go, but only, if Joseph agrees and does not get upset with your decision.”

I thanked my aunt and uncle for looking after me all these years, and I told them that I would speak to Joseph tomorrow.

I am now in my room. I just finished reading the Scriptures. After I was done, I prostrated myself on the floor, and I asked my Lord to allow my uncle to find an acquaintance that will accompany me to Ein Kerem. “Dear God, if you want me to take this time to be with Elizabeth, you need to pave the way for me. It’s in your hands, Lord. I place myself at your service.”

Tomorrow, I will speak to my dear Joseph, but I have a feeling that convincing him will be much easier than it was to convince my aunt and uncle.

Reflection:

Do I think of others first or do I place myself above others? 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? Do I consult with others to make sure that my decision is the correct one? I must place myself at the service of others with kindness and humility, but first I must make sure that my decision will not hurt anyone else.

Copyright © 2019 Christy Romero. All rights reserved.

References:

1. A league is an ancient unit of measurement derived from the Celtics. One league was the distance that a person could walk in about one hour. A land league is approximately three miles.

25 Steps with Mary: From Nazareth to Bethlehem-Day 2

“Your relative Elizabeth has also conceived a son in her old age; and she who was called barren is now in her sixth month. For nothing will be impossible with God.” Luke 1:36-37

I woke up today thinking of Joseph. My dear Joseph. When he was chosen to be my husband, he was living in Jerusalem. He is a native of Nazareth, and one of the descendants of the royal race of David. He is thirty-three years of age. He is known by all in Nazareth for the utmost purity of his life, holy and irreprehensible in the eyes of God and of men.

He returned to Nazareth for the betrothal. The first time that I saw him, I was by the river. I found him to be very handsome and modest. He had not seen me yet because he was wetting a piece of wood in the waters of the river. His eyes and hair are brown, the color of nutmeg. His nose is very Jewish and he wears a thick beard. He is very timid. He must have felt my eyes on him because he suddenly turned around and his face turned the color of a ripe tomato. He smiled shyly and called out to me: “Shalom, Mary!” He then sat on top of a rock, slipped, and felt unto the river. I had to hold back a laugh because I could tell that he was very embarrassed.

I had just turned fourteen when the espousal took place. I wished my Father Joachim had been with me by my side, but he was called by God when I was still very young. It’s been six months since our engagement, but I still clearly remember the first words that Joseph said to me immediately after our betrothal took place: “My dear Mary. I give thanks to the Lord Most High for the favor of having designed me as your husband. I find myself without merits, and I judge myself unworthy to be in your company; but our God, who can raise up the lowly whenever He wishes, showed His mercy to this unworthy servant. I desire and hope, relying on your discretion and virtue, that you will help me to show Him my gratitude in serving Him with an upright heart. Hold me, therefore, as your servant, and by the true love which I feel for you, I beg of you to be patient with my deficiencies in the fulfillment of the domestic duties and of other things, which as a worthy husband, I should know how to perform; tell me, my dear spouse, what is your pleasure, in order that I may fulfill it.”

I was taken aback when I heard these words, but with a humble heart, I answered him: “My master and dear spouse, I am fortunate, that the Most High has chosen you to be my husband. He has given me such evident manifestation of His Will, that I am to serve you.”

I have engraved in my heart how the grass smiled at that moment, and how the sun exploded in happiness at such humble manifestation of our commitment to each other. Joseph looked into my eyes, and my soul was united to his. It was just a second, but I knew in that instant that I loved him. His hands found mine, and I knew that God had chosen for me the most humble and caring man that He could find in the entire earth. And thus my heart accepted him as my spouse.

In Jerusalem, Joseph had learnt the trade of carpentering as being a respectable and proper way of earning the sustenance in life. He was poor in earthly possessions, but he would continue to exercise his trade in Nazareth in order to be able to maintain us.

I cannot stop thinking how disappointed he will be when he finds out that I am expecting a child when we are yet to live together. It is our Jewish custom for a betrothal to last a few months before the actual marriage takes place. In Israel, a marriage is more like a business between two families. If the two families are affluent, they would exchange jewelry, money, houses, and even slaves. The transaction between our families was more modest because we are very poor.

Once the arrangements were made, I went with my aunt and uncle to Joseph’s house. He placed a coin in my hand with a smile on his lips, and he said these words: “With this coin, you are now my betrothed.” Then, Joseph’s father blessed us in front of various witnesses, and he said: “You are now Joseph’s spouse.” From that moment on, the real wedding preparations began. This gives us an opportunity for us to get to know each other better before actually living together. And now, I will need to tell Joseph that I am with child. How can I explain to him that even though I am expecting, I am still a Virgin? Joseph is a good man, but this will be very difficult for him to accept. Will he break up our betrothal and repudiate me in front of everyone?

I have to stop thinking of all these negative scenarios before they actually take place. And right then and there, I knew what I had to do. I remembered the angel’s last words to me: “Your relative Elizabeth has also conceived a son in her old age; and she who was called barren is now in her sixth month. For nothing will be impossible with God.”

I must go to Elizabeth. Even though she is old enough to be my mother, we are very close. I will stay with her to help her in the last stage of her pregnancy and to assist with the delivery. Those three months will help me to pray, meditate and choose the proper way to give the news to Joseph.

It is now midnight, and I prostrate myself in the presence of the Most High, to commence my accustomed daily prayers and holy exercises. I pray to my Lord that I may be guided in all my actions to become the Mother of God. And I pray that He enlightens me when the time comes for me to unveil my secret to Joseph.

Tomorrow will be a new day, and the Lord will guide my steps.

Reflection:

What do I do when the Lord changes my plans? Do I get upset at the Lord or do I allow Him to guide my steps through the new plan? Do I pray for discernment? I must trust that God knows exactly what I need and He will lead the way.

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