Sunday, December 23, 2012 - Litany Lane Blog:
Persevere, Micah 5:1-4, Psalms 80, Luke 1:39-45, Incarnation of the Son of God, the Visitation, Divine Revelation to St Joseph
Persevere, Micah 5:1-4, Psalms 80, Luke 1:39-45, Incarnation of the Son of God, the Visitation, Divine Revelation to St Joseph
Good Day Bloggers! Joyeux Noelle et Bonne Annee!
Wishing everyone a Blessed Week!
Year of Faith - October 11, 2012 - November 24, 2013
P.U.S.H. (Pray Until Serenity Happens). It has a remarkable way of producing solace, peace, patience and tranquility and of course resolution...God's always available 24/7.
The world begins and ends everyday for someone. We are all human. We all experience birth, life and death. We all have
flaws but we also all have the gift of knowledge and free will,
make the most of these gifts. Life on earth is a stepping stone to our eternal home in
Heaven. Its your choice whether to rise towards eternal light or lost to
eternal darkness. Material items, though needed for sustenance and
survival on earth are of earthly value only. The only thing that passes
from this earth to Purgatory and/or Heaven is our Soul, our Spirit...it's God's perpetual
gift to us...Embrace it, treasure it, nurture it, protect it...
"Raise not a hand to another unless it is to offer in peace and goodwill." ~ Zarya Parx 2012
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December 2, 2012 Message From Our Lady of Medjugorje to World:
Dear
children, with motherly love and motherly patience anew I call you to
live according to my Son, to spread His peace and His love, so that, as
my apostles, you may accept God's truth with all your heart and pray for
the Holy Spirit to guide you. Then you will be able to faithfully serve
my Son, and show His love to others with your life. According to the
love of my Son and my love, as a mother, I strive to bring all of my
strayed children into my motherly embrace and to show them the way of
faith. My children, help me in my motherly battle and pray with me that
sinners may become aware of their sins and repent sincerely. Pray also
for those whom my Son has chosen and consecrated in His name. Thank
you."
November 25, 2012 Message From Our Lady of Medjugorje to World:
“Dear children! In this time of grace, I call all of you to renew
prayer. Open yourselves to Holy Confession so that each of you may
accept my call with the whole heart. I am with you and I protect you
from the ruin of sin, but you must open yourselves to the way of
conversion and holiness, that your heart may burn out of love for God.
Give Him time and He will give Himself to you and thus, in the will of
God you will discover the love and the joy of living. Thank you for
having responded to my call.” ~ Blessed
Virgin Mary
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Today's Word: persevere per·se·vere [pur-suh-veer]
Origin: 1325–75; Middle English perseveren < Middle French perseverer < Latin persevērāre to persist, derivative of persevērus very strict. See per-, severe
verb (used without object)
1. to persist in anything undertaken; maintain a purpose in spite of difficulty, obstacles, or discouragement; continue steadfastly.
2. to persist in speech, interrogation, argument, etc.; insist.
verb (used with object)
3. to bolster, sustain, or uphold: unflagging faith that had persevered him.
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Today's Old Testament Reading - Psalms 80:2-3, 15-19
2 over Ephraim, Benjamin and Manasseh; rouse your valour and come to our help.3 God, bring us back, let your face shine on us and we shall be safe.
15 protect what your own hand has planted.
16 They have thrown it on the fire like dung, the frown of your rebuke will destroy them.
18 Never again will we turn away from you, give us life and we will call upon your name.
19 God Sabaoth, bring us back, let your face shine on us and we shall be safe.
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Today's Epistle - Micah 5:1-4
1 But you (Bethlehem) Ephrathah, the least of the clans of Judah, from you will come for me a future ruler of Israel whose origins go back to the distant past, to the days of old.2 Hence Yahweh will abandon them only until she who is in labour gives birth, and then those who survive of his race will be reunited to the Israelites.
3 He will take his stand and he will shepherd them with the power of Yahweh, with the majesty of the name of his God, and they will be secure, for his greatness will extend henceforth to the most distant parts of the country.
4 He himself will be peace! Should the Assyrian invade our country, should he set foot in our land, we shall raise seven shepherds against him, eight leaders of men;
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Today's Gospel Reading - Luke 1:39-45
Mary’s visit to Elisabeth
God reveals himself in the simplest things
Luke 1:39-45
God reveals himself in the simplest things
Luke 1:39-45
1. Opening prayer
Lord Jesus, send your Spirit to help us to read the Scriptures with the same mind that you read them to the disciples on the way to Emmaus. In the light of the Word, written in the Bible, you helped them to discover the presence of God in the disturbing events of your sentence and death. Thus, the cross that seemed to be the end of all hope became for them the source of life and of resurrection.
Lord Jesus, send your Spirit to help us to read the Scriptures with the same mind that you read them to the disciples on the way to Emmaus. In the light of the Word, written in the Bible, you helped them to discover the presence of God in the disturbing events of your sentence and death. Thus, the cross that seemed to be the end of all hope became for them the source of life and of resurrection.
Create in us silence so that we may listen to your voice in Creation and in the Scriptures, in events and in people, above all in the poor and suffering. May your word guide us so that we too, like the two disciples from Emmaus, may experience the force of your resurrection and witness to others that you are alive in our midst as source of fraternity, justice and peace. We ask this of you, Jesus, son of Mary, who revealed to us the Father and sent us your Spirit. Amen.
2. Reading
a) A key to the reading:
Today’s Gospel describes Mary’s visit
with her cousin Elisabeth. They knew each other. They were related. But
during the meeting, they discover in each other a mystery that they
did not yet know and that fills them with great joy. How often does it
happen that we meet people whom we know, but who surprise us by their
wisdom and by their witness of the faith! It is thus that God reveals
himself and allows us to know the mystery of his presence in our lives.
The text of this Gospel of the fourth Sunday of Advent does not include Mary’s canticle (Lk 1:46-56) and barely describes Mary’s visit with Elisabeth (Lk 1:39-45). In this brief commentary we take the liberty of including Mary’s canticle because it helps us better understand the meaning of the two women’s experience at the moment of this visit. The canticle reveals that what Mary experienced when Elisabeth greeted her helps her perceive the presence of God’s mystery not just in the person of Elisabeth, but also in her own life and in the history of her people.
As you read the text, try to pay attention to the following: “What gestures, words and comparisons made by Mary and Elisabeth express the discovery of God’s presence in their lives?”
The text of this Gospel of the fourth Sunday of Advent does not include Mary’s canticle (Lk 1:46-56) and barely describes Mary’s visit with Elisabeth (Lk 1:39-45). In this brief commentary we take the liberty of including Mary’s canticle because it helps us better understand the meaning of the two women’s experience at the moment of this visit. The canticle reveals that what Mary experienced when Elisabeth greeted her helps her perceive the presence of God’s mystery not just in the person of Elisabeth, but also in her own life and in the history of her people.
As you read the text, try to pay attention to the following: “What gestures, words and comparisons made by Mary and Elisabeth express the discovery of God’s presence in their lives?”
b) A division of the text to help with the reading:
Luke 1:39-40: Mary leaves home to visit her cousin Elisabeth
Luke 1:41: When Elisabeth hears Mary’s greeting, she experiences God’s presence
Luke 1:42-44: Elisabeth greets Mary
Luke 1:45: Elisabeth praises Mary
Luke 1:46-56: The Magnificat, Mary’s canticle
Luke 1:41: When Elisabeth hears Mary’s greeting, she experiences God’s presence
Luke 1:42-44: Elisabeth greets Mary
Luke 1:45: Elisabeth praises Mary
Luke 1:46-56: The Magnificat, Mary’s canticle
c) Gospel: Luke 1:39-45
39
Mary set out at that time and went as quickly as she could into the
hill country to a town in Judah.
40 She went into Zechariah's house and
greeted Elizabeth.
41 Now it happened that as soon as Elizabeth heard
Mary's greeting, the child leapt in her womb and Elizabeth was filled
with the Holy Spirit.
42 She gave a loud cry and said, 'Of all women you
are the most blessed, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.
43 Why
should I be honoured with a visit from the mother of my Lord?
44 Look,
the moment your greeting reached my ears, the child in my womb leapt for
joy.
45 Yes, blessed is she who believed that the promise made her by
the Lord would be fulfilled.'
46 And Mary said: My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord
47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour;
48 because he has looked upon the humiliation of his servant. Yes, from now onwards all generations will call me blessed,
49 for the Almighty has done great things for me. Holy is his name,
50 and his faithful love extends age after age to those who fear him.
51 He has used the power of his arm, he has routed the arrogant of heart.
52 He has pulled down princes from their thrones and raised high the lowly.
53 He has filled the starving with good things, sent the rich away empty.
54 He has come to the help of Israel his servant, mindful of his faithful love
55 -according to the promise he made to our ancestors -- of his mercy to Abraham and to his descendants for ever.
56 Mary stayed with her some three months and then went home.
46 And Mary said: My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord
47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour;
48 because he has looked upon the humiliation of his servant. Yes, from now onwards all generations will call me blessed,
49 for the Almighty has done great things for me. Holy is his name,
50 and his faithful love extends age after age to those who fear him.
51 He has used the power of his arm, he has routed the arrogant of heart.
52 He has pulled down princes from their thrones and raised high the lowly.
53 He has filled the starving with good things, sent the rich away empty.
54 He has come to the help of Israel his servant, mindful of his faithful love
55 -according to the promise he made to our ancestors -- of his mercy to Abraham and to his descendants for ever.
56 Mary stayed with her some three months and then went home.
3. A moment of prayerful silenceso that the Word of God may penetrate and enlighten our life.
4. Some questionsto help us in our personal reflection.
a) What pleased or touched you most in this text? Why?
b) What gestures, words and comparisons express Elisabeth’s discovery of the presence of God in her life and that of Mary?
c) With what gestures, words and comparisons does Mary express her discovery of God’s presence in her life, in that of Elisabeth and in her people’s history?
d) What is the source of the joy of both women?
e) What symbol from the Old Testament is recalled and realized in the description of this visit?
f) Where and how does the joy of God’s presence occur in my life and that of my family and community?
b) What gestures, words and comparisons express Elisabeth’s discovery of the presence of God in her life and that of Mary?
c) With what gestures, words and comparisons does Mary express her discovery of God’s presence in her life, in that of Elisabeth and in her people’s history?
d) What is the source of the joy of both women?
e) What symbol from the Old Testament is recalled and realized in the description of this visit?
f) Where and how does the joy of God’s presence occur in my life and that of my family and community?
5. For those who wish to go deeper into the theme
a) Yesterday’s and today’s contexts:
In Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus’ childhood is
centred on the figure of Joseph, Jesus’ putative father. It is through
“Joseph the husband of Mary” (Mt 1:16), that Jesus becomes David’s
descendant, able to fulfil the promises made to David. On the other
hand, in Luke’s Gospel Jesus’ childhood is centred on the person of
Mary, “the betrothed of Joseph” (Lk 1:27). Luke does not say much about
Mary, but what he does say is very deep and important. He presents Mary
as model of life for the Christian communities. The key to seeing Mary
in this light is what Jesus says to his mother: “More blessed still
are those who hear the word of God and keep it” (Lk 11:28). In the way
Mary relates to the Word of God, Luke sees the best way for the
communities to relate to the Word of God; hear it, incarnate it, deepen
it, ruminate it, give birth to it and make it grow, allow oneself to
overwhelmed by it even when one does not understand it or when it
brings pain. This is the background to chapters 1 and 2 of Luke’s
Gospel when they speak of Mary, Jesus’ mother. When Luke speaks of
Mary, he is thinking of the Christian communities of his time that
lived spread out in the cities of the Roman Empire. Mary is the model
of the faithful community. And, faithful to this biblical tradition,
the last chapter of “Lumen Gentium” of Vatican II that speaks of the
Church, represents Mary as model of the Church.
Mary’s visit with Elisabeth shows another aspect typical of Luke. All the words, actions and above all the canticle of Mary are one grand celebration of praise. It is like the description of a solemn liturgy.
In this way, Luke creates a double atmosphere: the prayerful atmosphere in which Jesus is born and bred in Palestine, and the liturgical and celebratory atmosphere within which the Christian communities live their faith. He teaches the transformation of a visit by God into service of the brothers and sisters.
b) A commentary on the text:
Luke 1:39-40: Mary’s visit with Elisabeth
Luke stresses Mary’s haste in responding to the demands of the Word of God. The angel informs her that Elisabeth is pregnant, and immediately Mary begins her journey to see what the angel had told her. She leaves home to help someone who needs help. It is more than 100 kilometres from Nazareth to the mountains of Judea. There were no coaches, no trains. Mary hears the Word and puts it into practice in the most efficient way.
Luke stresses Mary’s haste in responding to the demands of the Word of God. The angel informs her that Elisabeth is pregnant, and immediately Mary begins her journey to see what the angel had told her. She leaves home to help someone who needs help. It is more than 100 kilometres from Nazareth to the mountains of Judea. There were no coaches, no trains. Mary hears the Word and puts it into practice in the most efficient way.
Luke 1:41-44: Elisabeth’s greeting
Elisabeth represents the Old Testament, which is coming to an end; Mary, represents the New about to begin. The Old Testament greets the New with gratitude and confidence, recognizing God’s free gift, which is given to realize and fulfil the expectation of the people. In the meeting of the two women, the gift of the Spirit manifests itself and causes the child in Elisabeth’s womb rejoice.
Elisabeth represents the Old Testament, which is coming to an end; Mary, represents the New about to begin. The Old Testament greets the New with gratitude and confidence, recognizing God’s free gift, which is given to realize and fulfil the expectation of the people. In the meeting of the two women, the gift of the Spirit manifests itself and causes the child in Elisabeth’s womb rejoice.
God’s Good News reveals his presence in one of nature’s most common events, two housewives who visit together to help each other. Visit, joy, pregnancy, sons, mutual help, house, family: Luke wants the communities (and us) to see and discover the presence of the Kingdom in these things.
To this day, Elisabeth’s words are part of the best known and most recited Psalm in the whole world, the Hail Mary.
Luke 1:45: Elisabeth praises Mary
"Blessed is she who has believed in the fulfilment of the word of the Lord". This is Luke’s message to the communities: belief in the Word of God that has the power to bring to pass what it says. It is the Word that creates. It gives birth to new life in the womb of a virgin, in the womb of the poor and abandoned people who welcome it with faith. Elisabeth’s praise of Mary is brought to completion when Jesus praises his mother: “Blessed are those who hear the Word of God and keep it” (Lk 11:28).
"Blessed is she who has believed in the fulfilment of the word of the Lord". This is Luke’s message to the communities: belief in the Word of God that has the power to bring to pass what it says. It is the Word that creates. It gives birth to new life in the womb of a virgin, in the womb of the poor and abandoned people who welcome it with faith. Elisabeth’s praise of Mary is brought to completion when Jesus praises his mother: “Blessed are those who hear the Word of God and keep it” (Lk 11:28).
Luke 1:46-56: Mary’s canticle
It is most probable that this canticle was known and sung by the Christian communities. It teaches how one must pray and sing. It is also a kind of measure that reveals the level of the knowledge of the communities in Greece for whom Luke was writing his Gospel. To this day, it is possible to evaluate the level of awareness of communities from the canticles that we hear and sing there.
It is most probable that this canticle was known and sung by the Christian communities. It teaches how one must pray and sing. It is also a kind of measure that reveals the level of the knowledge of the communities in Greece for whom Luke was writing his Gospel. To this day, it is possible to evaluate the level of awareness of communities from the canticles that we hear and sing there.
Luke 1:46-50:
Mary begins by proclaiming the change that has taken place in her life under the loving gaze of God who is most merciful. Thus she sings joyfully: "My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour, because he has looked upon the humiliation of his servant. Yes, from now onwards all generations will call me blessed for the Almighty has done great things for me. Holy is his name, and his faithful love extends age after age to those who fear him.” In order to understand the meaning of these very well known words, we need to remember that this is a very young girl, perhaps 15 or 16 years old, poor, from a remote village in Palestine, on the periphery of the world, but one who clearly knows her situation and mission, both hers and her people’s. Mary imitates the canticle of Anna, mother of the prophet Samuel (1Sam 2:1-10).
Mary begins by proclaiming the change that has taken place in her life under the loving gaze of God who is most merciful. Thus she sings joyfully: "My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour, because he has looked upon the humiliation of his servant. Yes, from now onwards all generations will call me blessed for the Almighty has done great things for me. Holy is his name, and his faithful love extends age after age to those who fear him.” In order to understand the meaning of these very well known words, we need to remember that this is a very young girl, perhaps 15 or 16 years old, poor, from a remote village in Palestine, on the periphery of the world, but one who clearly knows her situation and mission, both hers and her people’s. Mary imitates the canticle of Anna, mother of the prophet Samuel (1Sam 2:1-10).
Luke 1:51-53:
Then Mary sings of Yahweh’s fidelity towards his people and proclaims the change that the power of God’s arm was accomplishing in favour of the poor and hungry. The expression “the arm of God” recalls the liberation of the Exodus. This change takes place by the grace of the saving power of Yahweh: he has routed the arrogant of heart (1:51), he has pulled down princes from their thrones and raised high the lowly (1:52), he has filled the starving with good things, sent the rich away empty (1:53). Here we see the level of awareness of the poor in Jesus’ time and in the time of Luke’s communities who sang this canticle and probably knew it by heart. It is worthwhile comparing this canticle with the canticles that today’s communities sing in church. Do we have the political and social awareness that we find in Mary’s canticle? In the 1970’s, at the time of the military dictatorships in Latin America, for the military Easter celebrations this canticle was censored because it was considered subversive. To this day, Mary’s awareness, the mother of Jesus, is still uncomfortable!
Then Mary sings of Yahweh’s fidelity towards his people and proclaims the change that the power of God’s arm was accomplishing in favour of the poor and hungry. The expression “the arm of God” recalls the liberation of the Exodus. This change takes place by the grace of the saving power of Yahweh: he has routed the arrogant of heart (1:51), he has pulled down princes from their thrones and raised high the lowly (1:52), he has filled the starving with good things, sent the rich away empty (1:53). Here we see the level of awareness of the poor in Jesus’ time and in the time of Luke’s communities who sang this canticle and probably knew it by heart. It is worthwhile comparing this canticle with the canticles that today’s communities sing in church. Do we have the political and social awareness that we find in Mary’s canticle? In the 1970’s, at the time of the military dictatorships in Latin America, for the military Easter celebrations this canticle was censored because it was considered subversive. To this day, Mary’s awareness, the mother of Jesus, is still uncomfortable!
Luke 1:54-55:
Finally the canticle reminds us that all this is an expression of God’s mercy towards his people and of his fidelity to the promises made to Abraham. The Good News is not a reward for the observance of the Law, but an expression of the goodness and fidelity of God towards his promises. This is what Paul taught in his letters to the Galatians and to the Romans.
Finally the canticle reminds us that all this is an expression of God’s mercy towards his people and of his fidelity to the promises made to Abraham. The Good News is not a reward for the observance of the Law, but an expression of the goodness and fidelity of God towards his promises. This is what Paul taught in his letters to the Galatians and to the Romans.
c) Further information:
Luca 1 e 2: the end of the Old Testament and the beginning of the New Testament
In the first two chapters of Luke,
everything revolves around the birth of two persons: John and Jesus.
These two chapters give us a pleasurable taste of Luke’s Gospel. The
ambience in them is that of praise and gentleness. From beginning to
end, the mercy of God is praised and sung, a mercy that finally breaks
out to fulfil its promises. These promises are fulfilled in favour of
the poor, the anawim, of those who know how to wait for their
fulfilment: Elisabeth, Zachary, Mary, Joseph, Simeon, Anna, the
shepherds and the three magi.
The first two chapter of Luke’s Gospel are well known but only superficially. Luke writes imitating the Old Testament scriptures. It is as though the first two chapters of his Gospel were the last of the Old Testament, thus opening the way for the coming of the New. These two chapters are the threshold between the Old and New Testaments. Luke wishes to show to Theophilus that the prophecies are being fulfilled. Jesus fulfils the Old and begins the New.
These two chapters of Luke’s Gospel are not history in our present day understanding of history. They act much more like a mirror where those for whom the Gospel is written, the Christians converted from paganism, discover that Jesus came to fulfil the prophecies of the Old Testament and to respond to the deepest aspirations of the human heart. They also symbolize what was happening in their communities in Luke’s time. The communities originating from paganism will be born from converted Jews. But they will be different. The New does not completely correspond to what the Old imagined and hoped for. It was a "sign of contradiction" (Lk 2:34), caused tensions and was a source of much pain. In Mary’s attitude, Luke presents a model of how to react and persevere in the New.
The first two chapter of Luke’s Gospel are well known but only superficially. Luke writes imitating the Old Testament scriptures. It is as though the first two chapters of his Gospel were the last of the Old Testament, thus opening the way for the coming of the New. These two chapters are the threshold between the Old and New Testaments. Luke wishes to show to Theophilus that the prophecies are being fulfilled. Jesus fulfils the Old and begins the New.
These two chapters of Luke’s Gospel are not history in our present day understanding of history. They act much more like a mirror where those for whom the Gospel is written, the Christians converted from paganism, discover that Jesus came to fulfil the prophecies of the Old Testament and to respond to the deepest aspirations of the human heart. They also symbolize what was happening in their communities in Luke’s time. The communities originating from paganism will be born from converted Jews. But they will be different. The New does not completely correspond to what the Old imagined and hoped for. It was a "sign of contradiction" (Lk 2:34), caused tensions and was a source of much pain. In Mary’s attitude, Luke presents a model of how to react and persevere in the New.
Reference: Courtesy of Order of Carmelites, www.ocarm.org.
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Featured Item of the Day from Litany Lane
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Saint of the Day: Feria
Feast Day: December 23
Patron Saint:
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Today's Snippet I:
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Today's Snippet II:
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Today's Snippet III: |
Book 4, Chapter 1
The Mystical City of God, The Divine History and Life of The
Virgin Mother of God
Describing the Anxieties of Saint Joseph on Account of the
Pregnancy of Most Holy Mary, the Birth of Christ our Lord, His
Circumcision, the Adoration of the Kings, the Presentation of the Infant Jesus
In the Temple, the Flight into Egypt, the Death of the Holy Innocents, and the Return to Nazareth.
ST. JOSEPH RESOLVES TO LEAVE HIS SPOUSE.
Besides all this was the certainty of his not having any part
in this pregnancy, the effects of which were before his eyes; and there was the
inevitable dishonor which would follow as soon as it would become public. This
thought caused so much the greater anxiety in him, as he was of a most noble and
honorable disposition, and in his great foresight he knew how to weigh the
disgrace and shame of himself and his Spouse in each circumstances. The third
and most intimate cause of his sorrow, and which gave him the deepest pain, was
the dread of being obliged to deliver over his Spouse to the authorities to be
stoned (Lev. 20, 10), for this was the punishment of an adulteress convicted of
the crime. The heart of saint Joseph, filled with these painful considerations,
found itself as it were exposed to the thrusts of many sharp-edged swords,
without any other refuge than the full confidence which he had in his Spouse.
But as all outward signs confirmed the correctness of his observations, there
was no escape from these tormenting thoughts, and as he did not dare to
communicate about his grievous affliction with anybody, be found himself
surrounded by the sorrows of death (Ps. 17, 5), and he experienced in himself
the saying of the Scriptures, that: "Jealousy is hard as hell" (Cant.
8, 6).
In the midst of these tormenting anxieties the holy Spouse
Joseph appealed to the tribunal of the Lord in prayer and placing himself in her
presence, he said: "Most high Lord and God, my desires and sighs are not
unknown to Thee. I find myself cast about by the violent waves of sorrow (Ps.
31. 10) which through my senses have come to afflict my heart. I have given
myself over with entire confidence to the Spouse whom thou hast given me. I have
confided entirely in her holiness; and the signs of this unexpected change in
Her are giving rise to tormenting and fearful doubts lest my confidence be
misplaced. Nothing have I until now seen in Her which could give occasion for
any doubt in her modesty and her extraordinary virtue; yet at the same time I
cannot deny that She is pregnant. To think that She has been unfaithful to me,
and has offended Thee, would be temerity in view of such rare purity and
holiness: to deny what my own eyes perceive is impossible. But it is not
impossible that I die of grief, unless there is some mystery hidden beneath it
which I cannot yet fathom. Reason proclaims Her as blameless, while the senses
accuse Her. She conceals from me the cause of her pregnancy, while I have it
before my eyes. What shall I do? We both have come to an agreement
concerning our vows of chastity, and we have both promised to keep them for thy
glory; if it could be possible that She has violated her fidelity toward Thee
and toward me, I would defend thy honor and would forget mine for love of
Thee. Yet how could She preserve such purity and holiness in all other things if
She had committed so grave a crime in this? And on the other hand, why does She,
who is so holy and prudent, conceal this matter from me? I withhold and defer my
judgment. Not being able to penetrate to the cause of what I see, I pour out in
thy presence my afflicted soul (Ps. 141, 3), God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
Receive my tears as an acceptable sacrifice; and if my sins merit thy
indignation, let thy own clemency and kindness move Thee not to despise my
excruciating sorrow. I do not believe that Mary has offended Thee; yet much less
can I presume that there is a mystery of which I, as her Spouse, am not to be
informed. Govern Thou my mind and heart by thy divine light, in order that I may
know and fulfill that which is most pleasing to Thee."
Saint Joseph persevered in this kind of prayer, adding many
more affectionate petitions; for even though he conjectured that there must be
some mystery in the pregnancy of the most holy Mary hidden from him, he could
not find assurance therein. This thought had no greater force to exculpate most
holy Mary than the other reasons founded upon her holiness; and therefore the
idea that the most holy Queen might be the Mother of the Messias did not come to
his mind. If at times he drove away his conjectures, they would return in
greater number and with more urgent force of evidence. Thus he was cast about on
the turbulent waves of doubt. From sheer exhaustion he would at times fall into
a condition of mind wherein he could find neither an anchor of certainty for his
doubts, nor tranquillity for his heart, nor any standard by which he could
direct his course. Yet his forebearance under this torment was so great that it
is an evident proof of his great discretion and holiness, and that it made him
worthy of the singular blessing which awaited him.
All that passed in the heart of saint Joseph was known to the
Princess of heaven, who penetrated into its interior by the light of her divine
science. Although her soul was full of tenderness and compassion for the
sufferings of her spouse, She said not a word in the matter; but She continued
to serve him with all devotion and solicitude. The man of God watched Her
without outward demonstration, yet with a greater anxiety than that of any man
that ever lived. The pregnancy of most holy Mary was not burdensome or painful
to Her; but as the great Lady in serving him at table or any other domestic
occupations, necessarily disclosed her state more and more openly, saint Joseph
noticed all these actions and movements and with deep affliction of soul
verified all his observations. Notwithstanding his being a holy and just man, he
permitted himself to be respected and served by the most holy Virgin after their
espousal, claiming in all things the position of head and husband of the family,
though with rare humility and prudence. As long as he was ignorant of the
mystery of his Spouse he judged it right, within befitting limits, to show his
authority in imitation of the ancient Fathers and Patriarchs. For he knew that
they demanded subjection and prompt obedience of their wives, and he did not
wish to recede from their example. He would have been right in this course if
most holy Mary, our Lady, had been no more than other women. Yet although there
was such a great difference, no woman ever existed or will exist who was or will
be so obedient, humble and devoted to her husband as the most exalted Queen was
toward her spouse. She served him with incomparable respect and promptitude;
although She knew his troubled thoughts and observations concerning her
pregnancy. She omitted no service due to him, nor did She try to conceal or
palliate her state. For such evasion or duplicity would not have consorted with
the angelic truthfulness and openness, nor with the nobility and magnanimity of
her generous heart.
The great Lady could easily have asserted her entire
innocence and referred to the testimony of saint Elisabeth and Zacharias; for,
if saint Joseph had any suspicion of guilt in Her, he could naturally have
supposed it to have been incurred during her stay with them. Hence, through them
and by other references, She could have justified Herself and quieted the
anxieties of saint Joseph without disclosing the mystery. The Mistress of
prudence and humility did nothing of the kind; for these virtues did not allow
Her to think of Herself, nor to trust the justification of her mysterious
condition to her own explanation. With great wisdom She resigned the whole
matter into the hands of divine Providence. Although her compassion for her
spouse and her love for him made Her anxious to console and comfort him, She
would not do it by clearing Herself or by concealing her pregnancy, but rather
by serving him with more devoted demonstrations of love, and by trying to cheer
him up, asking him what She could do for him and lovingly showing her devoted
and submissive affection. Many times She served him on her knees, and although
this somewhat consoled saint Joseph, yet on the other hand, it was also a cause
for new grief. For thus he only saw the motives of love and esteem multiplied
and still remained uncertain whether She had been untrue or not. The heavenly
Lady offered up continual prayers for him and besought the Most High to look
upon him and console him; as for the rest She submitted all to the will of his
Majesty.
Saint Joseph could not entirely conceal his cruel sorrow, and
therefore he often appeared to be in doubt and sad suspense. Sometimes, carried
away by his grief, he spoke to his heavenly Spouse with some degree of severity,
such as he had not shown before. This was the natural effect of the affliction
of his heart not of anger or vengeful feelings; for these never entered his
thoughts, as we shall see later. The most prudent Lady, however, never lost the
sweetness of her countenance, nor showed any feeling; but merely redoubled her
efforts to relieve her husband. She served at table, offered him a seat,
administered food and drink, and if, after all these services, which She
performed with incomparable grace, saint Joseph urged Her to sit down, he could
convince himself more and more of her pregnancy.
Yet although her sorrow exceeded all bounds, the capacity of
her generous and magnanimous soul was much greater and therefore She could
conceal her grief more completely, and occupy her faculties in the loving care
of saint Joseph, her spouse. Her sorrow therefore only incited Her to attend so
much the more devotedly to his health and comfort. Nevertheless, as the
inviolable rule of the actions of the most prudent Queen was to perform all in
the fullness of wisdom and perfection, She continued to conceal the mystery
about the disclosure of which She had received no command. Though She alone
could relieve her spouse by an explanation, She withheld it in reverence and
faithfulness due to the sacrament of the heavenly King (Tob. 13, 7). As far as
She herself was concerned, She exerted her utmost powers; She spoke to him about
his health, She asked what She could do to serve him and afford him help in the
weakness which so mastered him. She urged him to take some rest and recreation,
since it was a duty to yield to necessity and repair the weakened strength, in
order to be able to work for the Lord afterward.
The Princess of heaven, becoming aware of the resolve of her
spouse saint Joseph to leave Her and absent himself, turned in great sorrow to
her holy angels and said to them: "Blessed spirits and ministers of the
highest King, who raised you to felicity which you enjoy, and by his kind
Providence accompany me as his faithful servants and as my guardians, I beseech
you, my friends, 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." The angels which the Queen selected for this
purpose obeyed immediately and instilled into the heart of saint Joseph many
holy thoughts, persuading him anew that his Spouse Mary was holy and most
perfect, and that he could not believe anything wrong of Her; that God was
incomprehensible in his works, and most hidden in his judgments (Ps. 33, 19);
that He was always most faithful to those who confide in him, and that He would
never despise or forsake them in tribulation.
By these and other holy inspirations the troubled spirit of
saint Joseph was somewhat quieted, although he did not know whence they came;
but as the cause of his sorrow was not removed, he soon relapsed, not finding
anything to assure and soothe his soul, and he returned to his resolve of
withdrawing and leaving his Spouse. The heavenly Queen was aware of this and She
concluded that it was necessary to avert this danger and to insist in earnest
prayer on a remedy. She addressed Herself entirely to her most holy Son in her
womb, and with most ardent affection of her soul She prayed: "Lord and God
of my soul, with thy permission, although I am but dust and ashes (Gen. 8,
27), I will speak in thy kingly presence and manifest to Thee my sighs, that
cannot be hidden from Thee (Ps. 37, 19). It is my duty not to be remiss in
assisting the spouse whom I have received from thy hand. I see him overwhelmed
by the tribulation, which Thou hast sent him, and it would not be kind in me to
forsake him therein. If I have found grace in thy eyes, I beseech Thee, Lord and
eternal God, by the love which obliged Thee to enter into the womb of thy
servant for the salvation of mankind, to be pleased to console thy servant
Joseph and dispose him to assist me in the fulfillment of thy great works. It
would not be well that I, thy servant, be left without a husband for a
protection and guardian. Do not permit, my Lord and God, that he execute his
resolve and withdraw from me."
The Most High answered Her: "My dearest Dove, I shall
presently visit my servant Joseph with consolation; and after I shall have
manifested to him by my angel the sacrament, which is unknown to him, thou
mayest speak openly about all that I have done with thee, without the necessity
of keeping silent thenceforward in these matters. I will fill him with my spirit
and make him apt to perform his share in these mysteries. He will assist Thee in
them and aid Thee in all that will happen." With this promise of the Lord,
most holy Mary was comforted and consoled, and She gave most fervent thanks to
the same Lord, who disposes all things in admirable order, measure and weight.
For besides the consolation, which the relief from this anxiety afforded Her.
She also knew well how proper it was that the spirit of saint Joseph be tried
and dilated by this tribulation before the great mysteries should be entrusted
to his care,
In the meanwhile saint Joseph was anxiouslv debating within
himself concerning the proper course or action, for he had borne his tribulation
already for two months; and now, overcome by the greatness of it, he argued with
himself: "I do not find a better way out of these difficulties than to
absent myself. I confess that my Spouse is most perfect and exhibits nothing but
what shows Her a saint; but after all She is pregnant and of it I cannot fathom
the mystery. I do not wish to injure Her reputation of holiness by involving Her
in the punishment of the law; yet at the same time I cannot stand by and witness
the consequences of her pregnancy. I will leave her now, and commit myself to
the providence of the Lord, who governs me." He then resolved to depart
during that night, and in order to prepare for his journey he packed some
clothes and other trifles into a small bundle. Having also claimed some wages
due to him for his work, he retired to rest with the intention of leaving at
midnight. But on account of the strangeness of his undertaking, and because he
was in the habit of commending his intentions to God in prayer, after he had
come to this resolve he spoke to the Lord: "Highest and eternal God of our
fathers Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, Thou true and only refuge of the poor and
afflicted, the grief and tribulation of my heart are well known to thy clemency.
Thou knowest also, O Lord (although I am unworthy), that I am innocent of that
which causes my sorrow, and Thou likewise art aware of the infamy and danger
consequent upon the condition of my Spouse. I do not believe Her an adulteress,
because I see in Her great virtue and perfection; yet I certainly see Her
pregnant. I do not know by whom or how it was caused; and therefore I find no
way to restore my peace. In order to choose the least evil I will withdraw from
Her and seek a place where no one knows me and, resigning myself to thy
Providence, I will pass my life in a desert. Do not forsake me, my Lord and
eternal God, since I desire solely thy honor and service.
Saint Joseph prostrated himself on the ground and made a vow
to go to the temple of Jerusalem and offer up a part of the small sum of money
which he had provided for his journey, in order that God might help and protect
Mary his Spouse from the calamities of men and free Her from all misfortune; for
great was the uprightness of that man of God, and the esteem in which he held
the heavenly Lady. After this prayer he composed himself for a short sleep with
the intention of departing in secret and at midnight from his Spouse. During
this sleep, however, happened what I will relate in the next chapter. The great
Princess of heaven, (assured by the divine promise), observed from her
retirement all that saint Joseph was preparing to do; for the Almighty showed it
to Her. And hearing the vow, which he made for her welfare, and seeing the small
bundle and the poor provision he prepared for his journey, She was filled with
tender compassion and prayed anew for him, giving praise and thanks to the Lord
for his Providence in guiding the actions of men beyond all human power of
comprehension. His Majesty so ordained events, that both most holy Mary and
saint Joseph should be brought to the utmost reach of interior sorrow.
In these operations of course, the last reason is always the
divine will itself, just, holy and perfect. However, as far as I have
understood, I will partly mention some other reasons in explanation. The first
reason is, that saint Joseph was so prudent, filled with such heavenly light,
and had such high conception of our most holy Lady, the blessed Mary, that it
was not necessary to convince him by strong evidence, in order to assure him of
her dignity and of the mysteries of the Incarnation; for in hearts well-disposed
the divine inspirations find easy entrance. The second reason is, because his
trouble had its beginning in the senses, namely in seeing with his eyes the
pregnancy of his Spouse; hence it was a just retribution, that they, having
given occasion for deception or suspicion, should as it were be deadened or
repressed by the privation of the angelic vision. The third reason is as it were
a sequence of this last one: saint Joseph, although he was guilty of no fault,
was under the influence of his affliction and his senses were so to say deadened
and incapacitated for the sensible perception and interaction of the angel.
Therefore it was befitting, that the angel deliver this message to him at a
time, when the senses, which had been scandalized, were inactive and suspended
in their operations. Thus the holy man might afterwards, regaining their full
use, purify and dispose himself by many acts of virtue for entertaining the
operation of the holy Spirit which had been entirely interrupted by his
troubles.
Saint Joseph awoke with the full consciousness, that his
Spouse was the true Mother of God. Full of joy on account of his good fortune
and of his inconceivable happiness, and at the same time deeply moved by sudden
sorrow for what he had done, he prostrated himself to the earth and with many
other humble, reverential and joyful tokens of his feelings he performed heroic
acts of humiliation and of thanksgiving. He gave thanks to the Lord for having
revealed to him this mystery and for having made him the husband of her, whom
God had chosen for his Mother, notwithstanding that he was not worthy to be even
her slave. Amid these recognitions and these acts of virtue, the spirit of saint
Joseph remained tranquil and apt for the reception of new influences of the holy
Spirit. His doubts and anxieties of the past few months had laid in him those
deep foundations of humility, which were necessary for one who should be
entrusted with the highest mysteries of the Lord; and the remembrance of his
experiences was to him a lesson which lasted all his life. The holy man began to
blame himself alone for all that had happened and broke forth in the following
prayer: "O my heavenly Spouse and meekest Dove, chosen by the Most High for
his dwelling-place and for his Mother: how could thy unworthy slave have dared
to doubt thy fidelity? How could dust and ashes ever permit itself to be served
by Her, who is the Queen of heaven and earth and the Mistress of the universe?
How is it, that I have not kissed the ground which was touched by thy feet? Why
have I not made it my most solicitous care to serve Thee on my knees? How will I
ever raise my eyes in thy presence and dare to remain in thy company or open my
lips to speak to Thee? O my Lord and God, give me grace and strength to ask her
forgiveness and move her heart to mercy, that She do not despise her sorrowful
servant according to his guilt.
The holy spouse now left his little room, finding himself so
happily changed in sentiments since the time he had composed himself for sleep.
As the Queen of heaven always had kept herself in retirement, he did not wish to
disturb her sweet contemplation, until She herself desired. In the meantime the
man of God unwrapped the small bundle, which he had prepared, shedding many
tears with feelings quite different from those with which he had made it up.
Weeping, he began to show his reverence for his heavenly Spouse, by setting the
rooms in order, scrubbing the floors, which were to be touched by the sacred
feet of most holy Mary. He also performed other chores which he had been
accustomed to leave to the heavenly Lady before he knew her dignity. He resolved
to change entirely his relation toward Her, assume for himself the position of
servant and leave to Her the dignity of Mistress. From that day on arose a
wonderful contention between the two, which of them should be allowed to show
most eagerness to serve and most humility. All that happened with saint Joseph
the Queen of heaven saw, and not a thought or movement escaped her attention.
When the time arrived, the saint approached the oratory of her Highness, and She
awaited him with sweetest kindness and mildness.
The husband of Mary, saint Joseph, now better informed,
waited until his most holy Spouse had finished her contemplation, and at the
hour known to him he opened the door of the humble apartment which the Mother of
the heavenly king occupied. Immediately upon entering the holy man threw himself
on his knees, saying with the deepest reverence and veneration: "My
Mistress and Spouse, true Mother of the eternal Word, here am I thy servant
prostrate at the feet of thy clemency. For the sake of thy God and Lord, whom
Thou bearest in thy virginal womb, I beseech Thee to pardon my audacity. I am
certain, O Lady, that none of my thoughts is hidden to thy wisdom and to thy
heavenly insight. Great was my presumption in resolving to leave Thee and not
less great was my rudeness in treating Thee until now as my inferior, instead of
serving Thee as the Mother of my Lord and God. But Thou also knowest that I have
done all in ignorance, because I knew not the sacrament of the heavenly King and
the greatness of thy dignity, although I revered in Thee other gifts of the Most
High. Do not reflect, my Mistress, upon the ignorance of such a lowly creature,
who, now better instructed, consecrates his heart and his whole life to thy
service and attendance. I will not rise from my knees, before being assured of
thy favor, nor until I have obtained thy pardon, thy good will and thy
blessing."
The most holy Mary, hearing the humble words of saint Joseph,
experienced diverse feelings. For with tender joy in the Lord She saw how apt he
was to be entrusted with the sacraments of the Lord, since he acknowledged and
venerated them with such deep faith and humility. But She was somewhat troubled
by his resolve of treating Her henceforth with the respect and self abasement
alluded to in his words; for the humble Lady feared by this innovation to lose
the occasions of obeying and humiliating Herself as a servant of her spouse.
Like one, who suddenly finds herself in danger of being deprived of some jewel
or treasure highly valued, most holy Mary was saddened by the thought that saint
Joseph would no longer treat Her as an inferior and as subject to him in all
things, having now recognized in Her the Mother of the Lord. She raised her holy
spouse from his knees and threw Herself at his feet (although he tried to hinder
it), and said: "I myself, my master and spouse, should ask thee to forgive
me and thou art the one who must pardon me the sorrows and the bitterness, which
I have caused thee; and therefore I ask this forgiveness of thee on my knees,
and that thou forget thy anxieties, since the Most High has looked upon my
desires and afflictions in divine pleasure."
It seemed good to the heavenly Lady to console her spouse,
and therefore, not in order to excuse Herself, She added: "As much as I
desired, I could not on my own account give thee any information regarding the
sacrament hidden within me by the power of the Almighty; since, as his slave, it
was my duty to await the manifestation of his holy and perfect will. Not because
I failed to esteem thee as my lord and spouse did I remain silent: for I was and
always will be thy faithful servant, eager to correspond to thy holy wishes and
affection. From my inmost heart and in the name of the Lord, whom I bear within
me, I beseech thee not to change the manner of thy conversation and interaction
with me. The Lord has not made me his Mother in order to be served and to
command in this life, but in order to be the servant of all and thy slave,
obeying thy will in all things. This is my duty, my master, and outside of it I
would lead a life without joy and full of sorrow. It is just that thou afford me
the opportunity of fulfilling it, since so it was ordained by the Most High. He
has furnished me with thy protection and devoted assistance, in order that I may
live securely in the shade of thy provident solicitude and with thy aid rear the
Fruit of my womb, my God and my Lord." With these words and others most
sweet and persuasive most holy Mary consoled and quieted saint Joseph, and he
raised Her from her knees in order to confer with Her upon all that would be
necessary for this purpose. Since on this occasion the heavenly Lady was full of
the Holy Ghost and moreover bore within Her, as his Mother, the divine Word, who
proceeds from the Father and the Holy Ghost, saint Joseph received special
enlightenment and the plenitude of divine graces. Altogether renewed in fervor
of spirit he said:
"Blessed art thou, Lady, among all women, fortunate and
preferred before all nations and generations. May the Creator of heaven and
earth be extolled with eternal praise, since from his exalted kingly throne He
has looked upon Thee and chosen Thee for his dwelling-place and in Thee alone
has fulfilled the ancient promises made to the Patriarchs and Prophets. Let all
generations bless Him: for in no one has He magnified his name as He has done in
thy humility; and me, the most insignificant of the living, He has in his divine
condescension selected for thy servant." In these words of praise and
benediction saint Joseph was enlightened by the Holy Ghost, in the same manner
as saint Elisabeth, when she responded to the salutation of our Queen and
Mistress. The light and inspiration, received by the most holy spouse was
wonderfully adapted to his dignity and office. The heavenly Lady, upon hearing
the words of the holy man, answered in the words of the Magnificat, as She had
done on her visit to saint Elisabeth, and She added other canticles. She was all
aflame in ecstasy and was raised from the earth in a globe of light, which
surrounded Her and transfigured Her with the gifts of glory.
At this heavenly vision saint Joseph was filled with
admiration and unspeakable delight; for never had he seen his most blessed
Spouse in such eminence of glory and perfection. Now he beheld Her with a full
and clear understanding, since all the integrity and purity of the Princess of
heaven and mystery of her dignity manifested themselves to him. He saw and
recognized in her virginal womb the humanity of the infant God and the union of
the two natures of the Word. With profound humility and reverence he adored Him
and recognized Him as his Redeemer, offering himself to his Majesty. The Lord
looked upon him in benevolence and kindness as upon no other man, for He
accepted him as his foster-father and conferred upon him that title. In
accordance with this dignity, He gifted him with that plenitude of science and
heavenly gifts which Christian piety can and must acknowledge. I do not dilate
upon this vast excellence of saint Joseph made known to me, because I would
extend this history beyond the prescribed bounds.
However, if it was a proof of the magnanimity of the glorious
saint Joseph and a clear evidence of his great sanctity, that he did not wear
away and die of the grief sustained at the thought of the loss of his beloved
Spouse, it is yet more astonishing, that he was not overwhelmed by the
unexpected joy of this revelation of the true mystery connected with his Spouse.
In the former he proved his high sanctity; but in the latter he showed himself
worthy of gifts, such which, if the Lord had not expanded his heart, he could
neither have been capable of receiving nor could he have outlived to bear in the
joy of his spirit. In all things he was renewed and elevated, so as to be able
to treat worthily Her, who was the Mother of God himself and his Spouse, and to
cooperate with Her in the mystery of the Incarnation and in taking care of the
Word made man, as I shall relate farther on. In order that he might be still
more apt and so much the more recognize his obligation to serve his heavenly
Spouse, it was also made known to him, that all the gifts and blessings came to
him because of Her: those before his espousal, because he had been selected for
her husband, and those afterward, because he had won and merited this
distinction. He also perceived with what prudence the great Lady had acted
toward him, not only in serving him with such inviolate obedience and profound
humility, but also in consoling him in his affliction, soliciting for him the
grace and assistance of the Holy Ghost, hiding her feelings with such
discretion, tranquilizing and soothing his, sorrow, thus fittingly disposing him
for the influence of the divine Spirit. Just as the Princess of heaven had been
the instrument for the sanctification of saint John the Baptist and his mother,
so She also was instrumental in procuring for saint Joseph the plenitude of
graces in still greater abundance. All this the most faithful and fortunate man
understood and for it, as a most faithful servant, was proportionately thankful.
WORDS OF THE QUEEN. (The
Virgin Mary speaks to Sister Mary of Agreda, Spain.)
My daughter, my object in revealing to thee in this history
so many sacraments and secrets, both those which thou hast written and many
others, which thou art unable to manifest, is, that thou use them as a mirror of
my life and as an inviolable rule of action for thy own. All of them should be
engraven in the tablets of thy heart and I recall to thy mind the teachings of
eternal life, thereby complying with my duty as thy Teacher. Be ready to obey
and fulfill all commands as a willing and careful pupil; let the humble care and
watchfulness or my spouse saint Joseph, his submission to divine direction and
his esteem for heavenly enlightenment, serve thee as an example. For only
because his heart had been well disposed and prepared for the execution of the
divine will, was he entirely changed and remodeled by the plenitude of grace for
the ministry assigned to him by the Most High. Let therefore the consciousness
of thy faults serve thee as a motive to submit in all humility to the work of
God, not as a pretext to withdraw from the performance of that which the Lord
desires of thee.
However, I wish on this occasion to reveal to thee the just
reproach and indignation of the Most High against mortals; so that, comparing
the conduct of other men with the humility and meekness, which I exercised
toward my spouse saint Joseph, thou mayest understand it better in divine
enlightenment. The cause of this reproach, which the Lord and I have to make
against men, is the inhuman perversity of men in persisting to treat each other
with so much want of humility and love. In this they commit three faults, which
displease the Most High very much and which cause the Almighty and me to
withhold many mercies. The first is, that men, knowing that they are all
children of the same Father in heaven (Is. 64, 8), works of his hands, formed of
the same nature, graciously nourished and kept alive by his Providence, reared
at the same table of divine mysteries and Sacraments, especially of his own body
and blood, nevertheless forget and despise all these advantages, concentrating
all their interest upon earthly and trivial affairs, exciting themselves without
reason, swelling with indignation, creating discords, quarrels, indulging in
detractions and harsh words, sometimes rising up to most wicked and inhuman
vengeance or mortal hate of one another. The second is, that, when through human
frailty and want of mortification, incited by the temptation of the devil, they
happen to fall into one of these faults, they do not at once seek to rid
themselves of it nor strive to be again reconciled, as should be done by
brothers in the presence of a just judge. Thus they deny Him as their merciful
Father and force Him to become the severe and rigid Judge of their sins; for no
faults excite Him sooner to exercise his severity than the sins of revenge and
hate. The third offense, which causes his great indignation, is, that sometimes,
when a brother comes in order to be reconciled, he that deems himself offended
will not receive him and asks a greater satisfaction than that which he knows
would be accepted by the Lord, and which he himself offers as satisfaction to
God's Majesty. For all of them wish that God, who is most grievously offended,
should receive and pardon them, whenever they approach Him with humility and
contrition; while those that are but dust and ashes, ask to be revenged
upon their brothers and will not content themselves with the satisfaction, which
the Most High himself readily accepts for their own sins.
Of all the sins, which the sons of the Church commit,
none is more horrible than these in the eyes of the Most High. This thou wilt
readily understand by the divine light and in the vigor of God's law, which
commands men to pardon their brethren, although they may have offended seventy
times seven. And if a brother offend many times every day, as soon as he says
that he is sorry for it, the Lord commands us to forgive the offending brother
as many times without counting the number. And those that are not willing to
forgive, He threatens with severest punishment on account of the scandal, which
they cause. This can be gathered from the threatening words of God himself: Woe
to him from whom scandal comes and through whom scandal is caused! It were
better for him, if he fell into the depths of the sea with a heavy millstone
around his neck. This was said in order to indicate the danger of this sin and
the difficulty of obtaining deliverance therefrom, which must be compared to
that of a man dropping into the sea with a grinding-stone around his neck. It
also points out that the punishment is the abyss of eternal pains (Matth. 8, 9).
Therefore the command of my most holy Son is good advice to the faithful, that
they rather permit their eyes to be torn out and their hands chopped off, than
allow themselves to fall into this crime of scandalizing the little ones.
