Besides Thee, what do I desire upon earth?
(Psalm Ixxii. 25)
When the Holy Family returned from Egypt,
they took up their abode in a little cottage at
Nazareth. Yet that cottage was the closest approximation to Heaven upon earth that ever has been
or ever can be found. There dwelt the Omnipotent God, the Queen of Heaven, the Protector of
the whole Church of God. This poor and humble
dwelling was chosen by Almighty God as the most
suitable abode for those He loved best.
What an unspeakable joy and consolation it
must have been to Mary to dwell for those years
in familiar conversation with Jesus. To carry in
her arms her God, hers as He was none other's,
flesh of her flesh, bone of her bone! to enjoy His
sweet caresses! to hear Him call her Mother! to
gaze on the unveiled countenance of God made
flesh! What an ecstasy of happiness for Mary!
What happiness, too, Mary found in the com-
pany of her chaste spouse St. Joseph! No husband
was ever so thoughtful as Joseph, none so gentle,
so unselfish, such a tower of manly strength. What
a pleasure it was to her to obey him! How she
watches for every expression of his will! How
promptly, joyfully, loyally she carries it out! Is
this the way I have to those to whom I am
subject?
O, what did Jesus love on earth
One half so tenderly as thee?