Preparing the Way of the Lord

 
MEDITATION FOR FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19TH

“Prepare ye the Way of the Lord” (Luke 3, 4).

First Prelude: Hear Holy Church ever anew admonishing the faithful, and picture her good children redoubling their zeal in their preparation the nearer they approach to the day of Christ’s advent.

Second Prelude: O Lord, let me recognize my great need of Thy assistance, that by interior recollection and fervor in prayer I may endeavor, with all my strength, to draw down upon myself Thy graces and blessings.

FIRST POINT

PRAYER, A NECESSARY MEANS OF PARTICIPATION IN GOD’S GRACES

Realizing what obstacles still obstruct the way for our Divine Saviour, have we not sufficient reason for discouragement on account of the enormity of the task before us, especially when we consider our weakness and utter misery? Experience has only too clearly proved that of our own strength we cannot for one moment resist evil and do good. Realizing the full malice of perverted nature, is it not natural that we turn to God in fervent prayer, Who is powerful of Himself to release us from so deplorable a condition? Therefore, we cry to Him for grace and mercy: O Divine Word, direct my footsteps! Come, O Sun of Justice, by Thy light and warmth, vivify those who sit in the shadow of death! O Saviour of the world, come and redeem us!

No time is more appropriate for prayer than the time of preparation for Christmas. We will, therefore, unite ourselves with our dear Saviour, Who, as our High Priest, persevered in constant prayer before His birth. Oh, how ardent were His entreaties as He pleaded for the whole world with the Father! At that time, He prayed for each one of us; our momentary needs were before Him and even then He commended them to His heavenly Father. With what confidence must not this thought inspire us! God Himself prayed for me; how could such a prayer remain ineffectual! It depends upon me alone whether or not I shall partake of the bountiful fruits of this prayer which will flow to me in abundance, provided I desire them ardently and persevere in prayer. Is not this my duty, and in consideration of my misery, a dire necessity, though, at the same time, a mystery of peace and happiness?

Our needs are so great and manifold that we can ill afford to cease praying, no more than the poor can desist begging for alms. There is, further, no nobler nor sweeter occupation for us than communion with God; a life of prayer will make a paradise of this place of exile, will give us a foretaste of heaven. No matter how great the difficulties that we experience in prayer, we will persevere courageously and use violence to acquire a good so necessary and so conducive to our happiness. We will often call to mind the promise of Christ “Whatsoever you shall ask the Father in my name that will I do” (John 14, 13).

SECOND POINT

SILENCE AND RECOLLECTION AID US TO ACQUIRE THE SPIRIT OF PRAYER

The nearer the great day approaches, the more diligently must we guard our hearts against distractions, that we may the oftener ponder the mystery of the infinite love of God in the Incarnation. Let us recall the good resolutions with which we desire to rejoice the heart of our Blessed Saviour. If by means of recollection we succeed in banishing all unnecessary cares and solicitude, then we shall be able to offer an acceptable dwelling place to the Infant Saviour. But we shall never acquire recollection of spirit and interior silence unless we carefully avoid every unnecessary word, for exterior silence cuts off all superfluous thoughts and desires. It is the custodian of the heart, and the faithful and persevering exercise of it fosters the spirit of prayer.

How solicitously should we, therefore, observe silence! Is it not meet for souls consecrated to God in the religious state, espoused to Jesus, to immolate to Him all the affections and inclinations of their hearts, all the faculties of their souls? Like the angels, who while beholding the Beatific Vision, hasten whither their office calls them, and bear heaven whithersoever they go, silent souls remain constantly in the heaven of interior solitude, occupying themselves with God’s perfections, Whom they behold uninterruptedly in prayer and recollection, and give Him love for love, as a child its father. Religious, who so frequently receive their Saviour in Holy Communion, find Him like Mary in the tabernacle of their heart, there to praise Him every hour, to live for Him and to cherish affectionate intercourse with Him.

Oh, what holy desires animate souls thus intimately united with God! In union with Mary and Joseph and all pious souls, they offer to the Christ-Child in the manger the oblation of most ardent love.

Let us incessantly entreat the Holy Spirit to form and mold that tender piety in our hearts which will give our life and our efforts to acquire virtue the correct and proper trend. All depends upon our acquiring the spirit of prayer, even at the cost of a hard struggle, for through it we not only receive grace to combat our faults, but acquire the necessary strength for the practice of virtue. Above all let us be faithful in the observance of silence, the ornament and mainstay of religious life, and remove from our minds what might hinder our intercourse with God, that Jesus, who loves to impart the plenitude of His grace to interior and silent souls, will find our hearts well disposed at His advent.

Affections: O Divine Saviour Whose infinite sanctity becomes more and more manifest to us in meditation, we realize how zealously we must cleanse ourselves of our faults. Thy ineffable clemency has called us to intimate union with Thee even in this life, and one day to behold Thee face to face in heaven. Oh, render us worthy of such a sublime calling; Thou alone canst do it by Thy all-powerful grace. We entreat Thee, by the ever blessed Virgin Mary who gave Thee, the Source and Author of all graces, to the world. Through Mary and in union with her, we dare to approach Thee and pray with all the ardor of our souls; “O Thou Root of Jesse, Who art a signal to the people in whose presence the Kings are silent, and unto whom the nations cry ‘Come and deliver us now and delay no longer.’ ”

Resolution: I will prepare for the advent of the Lord by silence and fervent prayer.

Spiritual Bouquet: “The Lord is nigh” (Ps. 44, 19).

Prayer: Jesus, my Lord, my King . . .

Continuation of The Magnificat

 
MEDITATION FOR THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18

“He hath filled the hungry with good things, and the rich He hath sent empty away” (Luke I, 53).

First Prelude: In spirit, remain with your holy Mother in the house of Zachary, and hear the continuation of her canticle.

Second Prelude: O holy Virgin, obtain for me a great desire for heavenly goods and grace to be generously satiated with them.

FIRST POINT

“HE HATH FILLED THE HUNGRY WITH GOOD THINGS”

With what a holy eagerness did the soul of Mary long for the advent of the Saviour, and how richly was she, in turn, replenished with every good! In His infinite goodness God will satiate all who ardently long for His graces. This is manifest in the lives of the saints. They hungered and thirsted for an increase of love, of grace, and of all virtues, with a truly fiery ardor, and God, with the utmost liberality, dispensed to them the plenitude of His gifts. Oh, that all souls were gifted with such hunger, so indispensable to perfection! Alas, there are countless lukewarm souls whose desire for perfection is weak and who shirk every exertion. Of these St. Alphonsus said: “They are ever wishing to advance but because they hesitate to apply the proper means they make no progress. Their desire is ineffective and, consequently, they have but little to hope for.”

Oh, that the intensity of our desire may exercise violence over the Heart of our Divine Saviour! We will endeavor to elicit holy desires in our souls, especially when Jesus comes to us in the Sacrament of His Love, for He gladly fills the hungry with good things. What infinite wealth is at our disposal when we receive the author of all grace in Holy Communion! All who approach His holy Tabernacle with intense hunger for this heavenly Bread shall be overwhelmed with graces; those, on the contrary, whose desire is faint shall go away empty.

Why do we not advance in love of God and of neighbor, in humility, patience, and mortification? How do we account for our coldness and indifference when approaching the holy Table? We will heed the words of the Blessed Virgin; “He hath filled the hungry with good things.” If our desire for Jesus were more ardent, it would not be so with us. What will we do in the future?

SECOND POINT

“THE RICH HE HATH SENT EMPTY AWAY”

Who are these rich whom the Lord sends away empty? Are they not primarily those who attach their hearts to temporal things, and seek only the contemptible pleasures of the world? They are, also, the proud, who, puffed up with their imaginary virtues and good qualities, are sufficient unto themselves and have no need of God and His grace. There are not a few even among those consecrated to God in the religious life who still take delight in temporal goods, sensible enjoyments and idle conversations. No spiritual joys can fall to their lot, because they seek consolation not in God but in creatures. They are earthly minded, consequently God must needs send them away empty. Attachment to external, sensible consolations is one of the greatest obstacles to true progress in virtue. It debars love of prayer and spiritual joy. Are not souls thus attached to be pitied? They seek consolation where it is not to be found. They suffer Jesus laden with His graces and heavenly consolations to knock in vain at the door of their heart and refuse Him admittance.

Much more pitiable is the condition of those who in their pride imagine themselves rich enough in virtue. Not seldom their work done with great pains, is as so much dust scattered to the winds. They have not labored for Him; therefore, God cannot reward them, He must send them away empty. To them the words of St. John in the Apocalypse apply; “Thou sayest, ‘I am rich and made wealthy, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched and miserable, and poor and blind and naked’ ” (Apoc. 3, 17).

Let us fear being numbered among those who have no share in the treasures of God’s gifts. Let us scrutinize our heart to the very depth, to see whether there is not concealed therein a dangerous tendency or self-complacency, which we dare not even admit to ourselves.

Affections: O holy Virgin, great as thy love of God was thy longing for the heavenly treasures. Therefore, in Thee we see thy promise most wonderfully and gloriously fulfilled. Obtain for us an ardent desire for humility and love, for patience and meekness, that possessing these virtues we may be pleasing to God. Obtain for us great hunger for the Bread of Angels that Jesus may be able to satiate us with His infinite treasures. How gloriously does thy canticle continuously resound in the Church through all the centuries! Let us share thy ardent devotion, O Mary, when we pronounce thy inspired words to praise and thank God for His benefits.

Resolution: I will often excite in my heart a longing for the grace and love of God.

Spiritual Bouquet: “He hath filled the hungry with good things and the rich He hath sent empty away.”

Prayer: O Jesus living in Mary . . .

Mary Extols the Lord for The Benefits Conferred Upon All Peoples Through The Incarnation

MEDITATION FOR WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 17

“And His mercy is from generation to generation unto them that fear Him. . . . He hath put down the mighty from their seat and exalted the humble” (Luke i, 50–52).

First Prelude: Remain, in spirit, with your holy Mother in the house of Zachary, and listen attentively to the continuation of her sublime canticle.

Second Prelude: O holy Virgin, let me learn of thee childlike fear of God and humble confidence in His infinite goodness.

FIRST POINT

“HIS MERCY IS FROM GENERATION TO GENERATION

TO THEM THAT FEAR HIM”

These words of the Blessed Virgin give her a new claim to her glorious title, Mother of Mercy. When praising God, she is mindful, not only of the benefits conferred upon her by His infinite goodness and of those which she is yet to receive, but she considers herself, likewise, under obligations to the Most High for the benefits bestowed on others. With our Blessed Mother, all holy souls have ever realized that the Sun of Justice not only diffuses light and warmth upon them, but that it sheds its benign rays over all the centuries. For all these graces they incessantly thank God all the more since they consider themselves the happy recipients of God’s gifts to their fellow men. Their hearts are replete with holy joy in the service of so good and generous a Master.

Why does Mary say that the mercy of God will be the portion of those that fear Him? Does not fear imply discouragement and is it not more likely that God will show mercy to them that hope in Him? This is very true, but he hopes the most of God who fears Him most, and fear of God impels us to co-operate with grace. Our growth in grace, however, is proportioned to our confidence in God. Holy Scripture says: “The eyes of the Lord are upon them that fear Him” (Ecclus. 15:20).

Possessing this holy fear of God, we may confidently hope in the mercy of the Lord; we should do a great injustice were we to yield to despondence and discouragement even for a moment. Let us, therefore, walk before God with that holy fear which detests the slightest sin, which repents of past sins with humble compunction, and our childlike fear will become the solid foundation of our hope.

Do we frequently consider that, as religious, we are under obligation to thank God also for the favors He has conferred upon others? Am I intent upon avoiding the least voluntary faults?

SECOND POINT

“HE HATH PUT DOWN THE MIGHTY FROM THEIR

SEAT AND EXALTED THE HUMBLE”

Heaven and earth testify to the truth of Mary’s words. God exercised might when He hurled the rebellious angels, puffed up with pride, from their heavenly thrones into the dark abyss, and elevated the deeply humbled members of the human race to the thrones vacated by the angels. The fall of King Pharao, of Saul, of the haughty Aman, and terrifying examples of all centuries, teach us the unrelenting rigor of the Lord in dealing with the proud, but also the love and predilection with which He elevates the humble and simple. Man can rise to true greatness only through humility, and only on the path of humility can he make progress in perfection. Does not perfection consist solely in our earnest endeavor to resemble Jesus? His pre-eminent virtue, however, is humility.

For this reason the spiritual writers so urgently counsel humility, again and again pointing to the fact that humility is the most essential virtue, which draws down upon us abundant graces and serves at once as a foundation for all other virtues. Let it be our earnest endeavor to become pleasing to God by repeated interior and exterior acts of humility and so to merit His blessing upon our labors. We will imitate the example of the saints, who humbled themselves profoundly before every task. Acknowledging our utter misery, our weakness, our ignorance and inconstancy before God, we will beg His grace with childlike confidence, and we, too, shall be justified in anticipating success in our undertakings.

Affections: O my Lord and my God, be it far from me ever to glory, save in Thee, the true source of all good! In Thee, O Lord, I place all my trust. Praised and blessed be Thy mercy, for having dealt with me so paternally. Do Thou always direct my way according to Thy wonderful mercies. O holy Virgin, who by thy profound humility wert so pleasing to God as to be worthy of the most exalted dignity, obtain this virtue for me, that it may aid me in securing the salvation of my soul and open to me the heavenly treasures of grace. O my Mother and my hope, through thy intercession obtain for me the grace to love thy Divine Son for all eternity.

Resolution: I will strive by repeated acts of humility to merit the grace of God upon all my actions.

Spiritual Bouquet: “He hath put down the mighty from their seat and exalted the humble.”

Prayer: O Mary, my Queen . . .

Mary's Thanksgiving: The Magnificat

 
MEDITATION FOR TUESDAY, DECEMBBER 16

“And Mary said: ‘My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God, my Saviour’ ” (Luke i, 46).

First Prelude: In spirit, enter the house of Zachary and hear the Blessed Virgin’s Magnificat in answer to Elizabeth, who calls her blessed.

Second Prelude: O Mary, teach us how to praise and thank God for the manifold gifts bestowed upon us.

First Point

“MY SOUL DOTH MAGNIFY THE LORD”

When Mary heard Elizabeth praise and exalt her, she could not conceal the extraordinary gifts that God had bestowed upon her. She could not do it because humility does not blind souls to the singular graces with which they have been favored. The higher God elevates humble souls the lower they sink in their own esteem, directing all their gifts back to the Divine Giver. Mary dared not pass over in silence the graces so generously imparted to her, because she was chosen to give testimony of the great mystery that God had wrought in her. With holy exultation, she cried out, “My soul doth magnify the Lord!” Mary did not say: “My soul hath magnified the Lord” or “It will magnify Him” but “My soul doth magnify the Lord.” The praise of God was her sole occupation on earth. She performed incessantly the sacred office of the angels in heaven. Her whole life was an uninterrupted “Magnificat” and she praised and exalted God not only in her words and sentiments, but in all her works.

Oh, that we would faithfully employ all our faculties, preserving our strength, our knowledge, our vocation, for the glory of God! That we would worthily discharge our sacred duties in the exalted dignity to which God has called us! Let us strive earnestly to withdraw our soul from the sway of passions, and devote it ever more to the service of God. Filled with God, the soul will love to commune with Him and will find exquisite delight in singing His praise, for “out of the fullness of heart the mouth speaketh.”

As Mary, in humility and modest reserve, spoke little with men, but now that the honor and glory of God were concerned hesitated not to speak freely and explicitly, so should we, likewise, observe the greatest reserve in intercourse with men, and pour out our hearts to God alone.

Am I always grateful to God in word and deed for the many graces and benefits imparted to me? Is not useless intercourse with creatures a hindrance to my communing with God in prayer and meditation and the cause of my negligence in singing His praises?

Second Point

“MY SPIRIT HATH REJOICED IN GOD, MY SAVIOUR”

The heart of Mary must have been filled with inexplicable delight when she said: “My spirit hath rejoiced in God, my Saviour.” No creature was able to treasure the benefit of the Redemption so highly as she. Filled with holy joy, she calls God her Lord and Saviour, realizing that He has in a most extraordinary manner overwhelmed her with graces. He has preserved her from original sin, and destined her to be the channel of salvation for all men. Knowing that all good things came to her through Him, she rejoices in the Saviour, Who now dwells within her bosom. Oh, my soul, arise in imitation of the example of Mary and likewise rejoice in God, your Saviour! If you desire joy then love Him, for in Him you will find all that your heart desires. For you, too, He will open heaven and in His goodness allow you to participate in the treasures of grace that He so generously dispenses through His Blessed Mother. Sad to say, there are but few who realize what constitutes true joy of heart and genuine peace of soul. The majority seek happiness in temporal goods. But who suffers himself to be fettered by the love of creatures, is not capable of loving God with all his heart, and, consequently, not receptive for the exalted, supernatural joy that God so lavishly infuses into the hearts of His faithful children. A pure, God-fearing life, the uninterrupted struggle with our evil propensities, persevering zeal in prayer and good works, are indispensable to the full enjoyment of spiritual delights. Voluntary venial sins and tepidity, and above all lack of humility and charity, render us unworthy of God’s especial graces and favors.

Affections: O holy Virgin, blest Mother of God, thou dost not only sing the praises of the Lord with thy lips, but thy whole life, thy admirable sanctity far surpassing the sanctity of all angels and men is an uninterrupted hymn of praise, extolling the goodness of our God. I pray thee, unite my weak and feeble praise with thine and offer it to thy Divine Son, that it may become pleasing to Him. Oh, how gladly should I cry out with the Psalmist “I will be glad and rejoice in Thee; I will sing to Thy Name, O Thou most High!” (Ps. 9, 2). But, alas, my utter misery ever bears me down. O Mary, my holy Mother, look graciously upon my poverty. Let a spark of divine love inflame my poor heart, that I may always walk in the presence of God, and with devotion, praise and thanksgiving extol His mercies.

Resolutions: I will seek to make my heart receptive for God’s grace, by disengaging it more and more from all earthly things.

Spiritual Bouquet: “My soul doth magnify the Lord.”

Prayer: O Jesus living in Mary . . .

The Life of Mary, in Union With Jesus

 
MEDITATION FOR MONDAY, DECEMBER 15

“And the word was made flesh and dwelt among us”

(John, 14).

First Prelude: In the company of the holy angel, kneel at the feet of the Blessed Virgin and with profoundest reverence adore the Incarnate Word, dwelling in her as in a living tabernacle.

Second Prelude: O Immaculate Virgin, thou worthy sanctuary of the Divine Word, teach me how to foster union with God by acts of adoration and love, and to glorify Him by the practice of every virtue.

First Point

EFFECTS OF DIVINE GRACE IN MARY

What inexpressible delight filled the heart of the Blessed Virgin when the Saviour took up His abode in her and she was at once mother and virgin! How ardently did she thank God and extol His infinite goodness! Who could count the graces vouchsafed her at this moment? As the sun illumined and warmed the earth immediately after its creation, so Jesus enveloped the Blessed Virgin with His splendor, inflamed her with divine love and flooded her pure soul with an abundance of graces. If the heart of man is there where his treasure is, then the heart of the Blessed Virgin could, henceforth, be in Jesus alone, because Jesus was, in very truth, her joy, her wealth, her all. Her happiness consisted solely in thinking of Jesus, in loving Him, in seeking His pleasure. She lived more for her beloved Son than for herself. Oh, how low, mean and contemptible in her eyes was the world with all its foolish pleasures, its vain concern with perishable things! How unworthy to fascinate a heart created for things eternal, which can, therefore, be satisfied by nothing save God alone.

O most blessed Virgin, admirable Mother of the Redeemer, impart to us of the light and the graces bestowed upon thee at the moment of the Incarnation, that we, too, may seek and find our happiness in Jesus alone; that we may endeavor to live in His presence and suffer ourselves to be guided solely by His love. Oh, how often do we posit our pleasure in the vain and empty things of this world! We experience no desire to converse intimately with God in the secret recesses of our heart, though He alone can make us happy. How many graces and inspirations, what spiritual consolation and merits have we forfeited by reason of our superficiality!

What vigilance do I exercise over myself? Do I not hold useless intercourse, abandon myself to vain desires and worldly pleasures? How far am I, perhaps, removed from seeking happiness in God alone!

Second Point

JESUS PERFECTS THE VIRTUES OF HIS HOLY MOTHER

After the Incarnation of the Son of God, Mary was His living tabernacle. Her love and adoration were more pleasing to her Divine Son than those of all the angels and men combined. Mary was interiorly united with her Divine Son, and had but one heart, one soul, one life with Him. What St. Paul said of himself was true in the most perfect sense of the Blessed Virgin; she no longer lived, but her Divine Son lived in her. In her innermost soul she sought counsel with Him, begged Him to tell her what to do. To resemble Jesus was her sole ambition; to be humble, poor and mortified, meek and loving, like her Divine Son, was the object of her constant desires. Jesus continually addressed Himself to the heart of His Blessed Mother, instructed her, and Mary was ever ready to heed His injunctions.

Moved by the Divine Word, she shared with others the treasures of grace imparted to her. The Son of God urged His mother gently to cross the hills of Judea on a mission of love, to teach us thereby that Mary is our mediatrix and the dispenser of His gifts. Let us rejoice that the first act to which the Saviour incites His Blessed Mother is an act of charity. Should not her example encourage us to a like zeal? Let us beg of Jesus when He comes to us in Holy Communion to live and act in us as He lived and acted in Mary, and to incite us to the practice of every virtue, especially charity and compassion. How can we show our gratitude more effectively than by exercising the duties of our vocation with the love to which Jesus sweetly urged His Blessed Mother immediately after His Incarnation!

Affections: O ever blessed Virgin and Mother of the Redeemer, in union with all the angels, I adore the Divine Word in thy chaste womb. With still greater ardor I unite myself with thy love-inflamed heart, which far surpasses the love of the seraphim and cherubim. Oh, impart to me of the light and grace thou didst receive from thy Divine Son at the moment of the Incarnation. Help me to know and love Him Who chose thee from all eternity for His Mother. Obtain for me, in particular, the grace to give my heart wholly to God alone, in imitation of thy example, that it may live in Him and that divine love reign supreme in my soul.

Resolution: I will endeavor to remain intimately united with God by frequent acts of love.

Spiritual Bouquet: “I live, now not I, but Christ liveth in me.”

Prayer: O Jesus living in Mary . . .

The Testimony of St. John The Baptist Concerning Christ

 
MEDITATION FOR THE THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT, DECEMBER 14

“The Jews sent from Jerusalem priests and levites to him, to ask him: ‘Who art thou?’ He confessed: ‘I am not Christ. But there has stood One in the midst of you, Whom you know not. The same is He that shall come after me, Who is preferred before me; the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to loose’” (John I, 19, 26, 27).

First Prelude: In spirit, see the banks of the Jordan where St. John baptizes.

Second Prelude: O Divine Saviour, give me grace to know myself that I may correct my faults, and make Thyself better known to me that I may love Thee more and more.

First Point

THE PROFOUND HUMILITY OF ST. JOHN

The Jews sent priests and levites to John in the desert to ask him whether he is the Christ. The sanctity of his life was so manifest and had diffused such light, that he was universally held to be the Messiah, or at least a great prophet. John, however, confessed, “I am not the Christ” and added humbly, “I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness.” Jesus had called him the greatest man ever born of woman, more than prophet. He was an Elias, according to the spirit, announcing the advent of Him to whom all prophecies referred, but in his own estimation he was not even worthy to loose the latchet of Christ’s shoes.

How does the humility of St. John condemn our pride! How much do we think of ourselves, how eager are we to make known our imaginary advantages and to display our overrated possible good qualities! Even though, at times, we speak depreciatingly of ourselves, is it not done with a view of meriting praise? Let us, in all sincerity and in the presence of the Supreme Judge, answer the question: “Who art thou?” If the grace of God has led us into religion, how do we now fulfill the duties of our holy state? Alas, cannot we say with much more truth than did St. Bernard: I am only a religious in name, because I lead a life of distractions. In my holy calling I should excel in the practice of virtues, but I am conscious only of faults and imperfections?

Let us often ask ourselves what others think and say of us. The reproach of men, and especially the loving admonitions of our fellow-religious, may prove very beneficial, if we take them in good part. We will, in the future frequently call to mind that our fate for all eternity is determined by the one question “Who art thou?” and often earnestly put it to ourselves. What progress might I not have made, had I corresponded generously to the graces imparted to me so abundantly!

Second Point

ST. JOHN’S TESTIMONY OF CHRIST

Profoundly humble, St. John speaks very little of himself, but takes pleasure in dwelling at length upon the greatness of our Lord. “But there has stood One in the midst of you Whom you know not. The same is He that shall come after me. Who is preferred before me, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to loose.” So glorious a testimony made by a man of the type of St. John under the existing circumstances, was well calculated to impress the messengers favorably, as well as those who had sent them, had they been properly disposed. Despising, however, the proffered light, they yielded themselves up to deception and blindness.

In our day countless Christians, even, deserve the reproach of St. John: “In your midst there has stood One whom you know not.” They labor diligently to acquire accomplishments, study the biographies of distinguished men, of whose great deeds they should be ashamed to be ignorant, but they know very little or nothing of our dear Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, and make little effort to acquire such knowledge; consequently, they do not love Him. So long as Saul was estranged to the truths of religion, he was a furious persecutor of the Church of God, but once the mercy of God had led him to the true fold of Christ, his ambition, his persevering zeal, his only desire was directed henceforth to growth in the knowledge of Christ, Jesus. Hence, also, his ardent love, his eloquence, when from the fullness of his heart he depicts the charms of the love of God and of neighbor.

May the reproach which the Baptist addressed to the Jews not apply to the spouses of Christ, in whose midst He dwells, whom He daily nourishes with His Flesh and Blood, and whom they should study diligently during the daily meditation? Let it be our earnest endeavor, especially during the holy season of Advent, when Holy Mother Church heralds the near approach of the Saviour, to penetrate deeply into His love, which He manifests in the mystery of the Incarnation.

Affections: O my Divine Saviour, how consoling and honorable for Thy holy precursor, to be the voice crying out to men to prepare the way of the Lord! Rejoicing with her whole heart, Holy Church, at Thy approaching advent, invites all her children to participate in her joy. With a tender love we will respond to her invitation, ever mindful that Thou art nigh to each one of us. Thou desirest to be near us with Thy grace and Thy peace; but how many remain at a distance, because they know Thee not, nor do they desire to know Thee. O Divine Saviour, enlighten these blinded souls, draw them unto Thee by the sweet power of Thy grace. Compel the obdurate to enter into themselves and remove the obstacles that oppose Thy bountiful advent in their hearts. True to the admonition of the Apostle, we will hasten to meet Thee with prayers, fasting, impetration and thanksgiving, to participate in Thy peace, which surpasses all comprehension.

Resolution: In order to acquire a thorough knowledge of self, I will make my daily examen with increased fervor and zeal.

Spiritual Bouquet: “There hath stood One in your midst Whom you know not.”

O JESUS, LIVING IN MARY

O Jesus, living in Mary! come and live in Thy servants, in the spirit of Thy holiness, in the fullness of Thy might, in the truth of Thy virtues, in the perfection of Thy ways, in the communion of Thy mysteries; subdue every hostile power, in Thy spirit for the glory of the Father. Amen.

(Indulgence of 300 days, once a day.—Pius IX, Oct. 14, 1859.)

Mary Consents to Become the Mother of God

MEDITATION FOR SATURDAY

“And Mary said: ‘Behold the handmaid of the Lord: be it done unto me according to Thy word’” (Luke i, 28).

First Prelude: Remain near the Blessed Virgin and full of holy joy, in company with the angel, listen to the expression of her humble obedience.

Second Prelude: Obtain for me the grace, O holy Virgin, ever to fulfill the holy Will of God by faithful and cheerful obedience to the directions of my superiors, and exact observance of our Holy Rule.

First Point

“BEHOLD THE HANDMAID OF THE LORD”

With what exquisite delight did the angel receive Mary’s reply placed on her lips by the Holy Ghost: “Behold the handmaid of the Lord!” What profound humility lay concealed under these words! Surely, the Blessed Virgin, who was humble of heart, would have been guilty of no fault if, full of joy and exultation at the rare graces received, she had called herself a spouse of the Holy Spirit, a friend of God. The more the Most High overwhelmed her with favors the more did Mary immerse herself in admiration and praise of the Divine Goodness and Mercy, Who bestows choicest graces upon man, without any deserts on his part. Mary recognized in the profound abasement and boundless love of her God in the mystery of the Incarnation, persevered in loving admiration, and offered Him as most fitting homage, her own profound annihilation and humiliation.

The Holy Ghost, alone, could teach Mary to unite the most contradictory extremes. She believed firmly that she would become the Mother of God, and still called herself His handmaid. How can such utter abasement harmonize with so sublime a dignity? Oh, the depths of the wisdom of God! It teaches us to preserve humility even in the most exalted station, and, despite great merits, to regard ourselves but lightly and with contempt. God reveals His mysteries to the little and the humble. The more graces He confers on them and the more He blesses their labors, the less they are occupied with self, and the more they become absorbed in God. Oh, that we would learn the practice of sincere humility from our holy Mother! If she calls herself the handmaid of the Lord, must not we deem ourselves happy to be able to call ourselves servants of the poor and the ignorant? Should not we, therefore, sacrifice all to be in reality always and everywhere truly humble servants of the Lord?

Second Point

“BE IT DONE UNTO ME ACCORDING TO THY WORD”

These words are an indication of Mary’s perfect submission to the holy Will of God. At that moment Mary most probably, by divine intuition, foresaw the sufferings that should be her portion as Mother of God. From Holy Writ, she had learned of the sorrows that awaited her. Expounders of Scripture say that by consenting to become the Mother of God, Mary acquired more graces and merits than all creatures together should be able to merit. “Be it done unto me according to Thy Word!” What an excellent word for all servants of God, especially for religious! Can a more beautiful one be thought of? When the sound of the bell calls us to a duty, or we receive a commission from our superiors, let us cheerfully say: “Fiat!” in imitation of our dear Mother. “Be it done unto me according to Thy word,”—not according to my will, to self-love or personal comfort.

There are special moments in life when almighty God, by His loving inspirations or through the voice of our superiors, demands a sacrifice of us. As children of our heavenly Mother could we hesitate? Three times a day, Holy Mother Church asks us to repeat these words of our Blessed Mother. Let us always say them with full submission to the decrees of Divine Providence, and hold ourselves in readiness to repeat with our Blessed Mother, the “Fiat!” of perfect fidelity and love, should God in the course of the day, see fit to test our obedience.

Affections: O Mary, happy Virgin, thou callest thyself a handmaid but thou art also His Mother, His Spouse. Thou art a handmaid, but at the same time Queen of Angels. Thou art the servant most pleasing to God and the object of His tenderest love. Oh, obtain for me the grace always and everywhere to say with ardent love: Behold, O Lord, I am Thy handmaid, be it done unto me according to Thy word. Henceforth I will no longer close my ears to Thy holy inspirations. Speak, Lord, for Thy servant heareth! Thy servant is ready to do Thy will. But assist me with Thy grace, that I may perfectly fulfill, not only Thy commands, but even Thy slightest wish.

Resolution: I will obey cheerfully and readily, when called to a duty, be it by the voice of my superior or by the precepts of our Holy Rule.

Spiritual Bouquet: “Behold, the handmaid of the Lord, be it done unto me according to Thy word!”

Prayer: Take, O Lord . . .

The Question of The Blessed Virgin and the Angel's Answer

MEDITATION FOR FRIDAY

“And Mary said to the angel: ‘How shall this be done?’ and the angel answering said to her: ‘The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee and the power of the Most High shall overshadow thee, because no word shall be impossible with God’” (Luke 1, 34–37).

First Prelude: Reverently enter the Blessed Virgin’s humble abode and listen to her discourse with the heavenly messenger.

Second Prelude: O Immaculate Virgin, let me learn of thee a tender love of holy virginity and humble confidence in the all-powerful assistance of God.

First Point

“HOW SHALL THIS BE DONE?”

Must we not admire the prudent reserve of the Blessed Virgin, who spoke only after having well considered the angel’s words? She was not incredulous, but only desired to know how his message could be harmonized with her vow of virginity: “How shall this be done?” The magic of this word has drawn countless souls to Christ, and merited for Mary the glorious title “Queen of Virgins.” How perfectly did the sentiments of Mary conform to the designs of God, and how worthy did she appear of the sublime dignity about to be conferred upon her! It was her spotless purity, her love of virginity that made her the object of the especial love and predilection of Jesus; that made her worthy to become His Mother. He delights to dwell in pure hearts. Would we have Jesus dwell in our hearts, too, then we must endeavor to keep even the very shadow of sin aloof. We have long since given Jesus our hearts, of which He is so jealous. Should we not displease Him, therefore, by entertaining unnecessary or even dangerous thoughts? How necessary is it for us in imitation of the example of our holy Mother, to be reserved in our words, to curb our curiosity which so endangers purity and humility! Let us love seclusion and shun seeing and being seen, lest the beautiful splendor of the angelic virtue be marred in us, that God may look upon us with pleasure and impart His graces abundantly.

Do my words testify to a pure heart and prudent reserve? Do I love solitude, mortification of the eyes and the tongue, as custodians of holy purity?

Second Point

THE ANSWER OF THE ANGEL

The angel assures Mary that the ineffable mystery shall be accomplished in her by the operation of the Holy Ghost. The same Divine Omnipotence which wrought the astounding miracle of the Incarnation in Mary, must effect all good in us. It must overshadow us, strengthen us in temptation and complete the work of grace, our sanctification. Let us not obstruct the operations of the Holy Spirit in our soul, nor suffer ourselves to be misled by sensuality, self-love, and human respect.

To confirm Mary in confidence, but more for our instruction, the angel concludes with the words: “No word shall be impossible with God.” To all the difficulties that loom up in our imagination, either to make our faith waver or to shake our trust, let us answer: I believe because God has revealed it; I hope for all that He has promised, for with God nothing is impossible. Let us seek encouragement with St. Paul, when he says: “I can do all things in Him Who strengtheneth me” (Phil. 4, 13). Provided I am docile to His grace, God will accomplish whatever He has entrusted to me. The discharge of the duties of my office, the perfect accomplishment of every task assigned to me by obedience, will become possible through Him to Whom nothing is impossible.

Nevertheless, in our endeavor to acquire perfection, in the combat of our evil propensities, our inherent misery may assert itself and advance the objection: How is it possible that I shall ever become a zealous religious? Oh, in answer to such timidity we, too, hear the words of the angel: “With God there is nothing impossible.” Even lukewarm souls, if they are truly humble, faithful to grace, and constant in prayer, shall become fervent and their works fruitful for eternal life.

Affections: O purest Virgin, enhanced by thy wisdom and humility, virginity shines forth in thee in all its splendor. Thou hast merited to conceive and to present to us Him Who comes as the “Blessed in the name of the Lord.” Thou fillest heaven with exultation and bliss, and earth with joy and delight. O Mary, who hast found grace which establishes peace between God and man, obtain for thy children, a share of this blessed peace. Obtain for us thy profound humility, thy heavenly purity, thy fiery steadfast love of God, that nothing may be impossible for us, and that with implicit trust in God we may accomplish all His sacred designs.

Resolution: In all difficulties, I will humbly have recourse to God.

Spiritual Bouquet: “Nothing shall be impossible with God.”

Prayer: Remember, O most gracious Virgin …

The Angel Calms the Blessed Virgin

MEDITATION FOR THURSDAY

Who having heard was troubled at his saying, and thought what manner of salutation this should be. And the angel said to her: ‘Fear not, Mary, for thou hast found grace with God’ ” (Luke 1, 29).

First Prelude: Again, in spirit, enter the humble dwelling at Nazareth and contemplate the Blessed Virgin, troubled at the angel’s words.

Second Prelude: Ask of the Blessed Virgin a share in her wonderful humility and unbounded confidence.

FIRST POINT

EFFECTS OF THE ANGELIC SALUTATION

The evangelist relates that “When Mary heard this she was troubled, and thought what manner of salutation this should be.” Mary’s fear proceeded from her deep humility. It was not the appearance of the angel, not the wonderful splendor surrounding him that troubled her—she was accustomed to intercourse with heavenly spirits, as the mystical writers say; but she was troubled at the angel’s words. He had said: “Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with thee, Blessed art thou among women” (Luke 1, 28). Her humility was unable to comprehend the extraordinary distinction suggested by these words.

What an example does the Blessed Virgin set us in this mystery! She had every reason to rejoice at the angel’s message; yet she feared; her heart sought no honor, no preference, she rejected the praise bestowed upon her. She deemed herself unworthy to be thus singularly honored by God with such rare graces. Her humility is as profound as her knowledge of God is sublime and exalted. Why are there so few humble souls? Is it not because profound knowledge of God and thorough knowledge of self are rarely found among men? If we wish to advance in perfection we must strive earnestly to grow in this two-fold knowledge, and often propound to ourselves the question: “Who is God and who am I?” St. Charles Borromeo who was so deeply grounded in humility, said: “Mary, the humble Virgin, becomes troubled on hearing an angel praise her in virtue of a divine command; we, miserable sinners, crave the empty praises of men.”

All those who constantly commune with God by the contemplation of divine things, and a pure life, flee honor and praise, and if such, nevertheless, are accorded them, they accept them reluctantly. How am I disposed in this respect? Do I bear in mind that the grace of God finds no entrance into a heart filled with self?

SECOND POINT

THE ANGEL CALMS THE BLESSED VIRGIN

Noticing the fear of Mary, the angel quieted her and said: “Fear not, Mary, for thou hast found grace with God” (Luke 1, 30). It is peculiar to the spirit of God to dispel fear from our hearts. An inspiration is divine if it begets peace and implicit confidence in God, which are ever its special marks. The false insinuations of the Evil One always beget unrest and usually mislead to vain presumption and mistrust in God’s mercy. No imperfection attached to the Blessed Virgin’s fear, but the angel dispelled it that she might receive the divine message with perfect composure. “Thou hast found grace with God,” this is the reason why Mary should not fear; she possessed God’s grace, His love and pleasure. This consciousness is an impenetrable shield against all fear, for what could frighten her whom the Holy Ghost assures that she is a child of God?

Oh, let us guard against losing the grace of God or weakening its effects through our fault! On our deathbed, nothing shall be able to give us greater assurance than the knowledge that, with the grace of God, we have always endeavored to do what we recognized as pleasing to Him, feared sin and by contrition and penance, atoned for the sins committed. May we not in all humility and confidence, still hope to find grace with God? Let us beg Mary, who constantly corresponded to grace, to help us repair our past abuse of graces by redoubled zeal and fervor.

Do I suffer myself to be unnecessarily disquieted and troubled by the insinuations of the devil? Have I not thus lost much valuable time?

Affections: O Mary, thou blest Spouse of the Holy Spirit, blest Mother of the Eternal Word, glorious Queen of Angels, amiable Mother of Mercy, how I rejoice in thy ineffable happiness! Truly, with fullest justice did the angel say to thee: “Thou hast found grace with God.” And in what measure hadst thou found grace! Thou hadst not only received the fullness of grace thyself, but, in thy adorable Son, the source and fountain-head of all graces and merits. Oh, how rich and happy art thou! Pray incessantly for me that thy Divine Son may pardon all my sins and endow me with grace, wisdom and divine love. Pray that He may grant me a happy death, be merciful to me in Judgment and receive me into the abode of eternal peace and bliss.

Resolution: I will manifest great modesty and reserve in my words and actions.

Spiritual Bouquet: “Fear not, Mary, for thou hast found grace with God.”

Prayer: Remember, O most gracious Virgin …




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