I have put my trust in Thee, O God. I have
said, my lot is in Thy hands
(Psalm xxx. 15)
When Mary arrived at the age when it was
the custom for Jewish maidens to leave the service
of the Temple, the High Priest told her that a
husband would be chosen for her. But Mary had
already made a vow of virginity to God, under the
inspiration of the Holy Spirit, and now she received
the command to join herself in wedlock, and God
inspired her to obey. What a trial for her faith
and confidence in God!
What a trial, too, for her humility, that she,
who had consecrated her virginity to the Most
High, should appear before the world in the ordinary
state of wedlock; that she who was the Bride
of the Most High should be counted as the bride
of mortal man! Yet Mary rejoiced in this humiliation.
She knew well that those whom God humbles
He will in due time exalt.
Mary's confidence in God was not disappointed.
He did not fail to fulfil the desires of His handmaid.
She found, on being espoused, that Joseph
her Spouse had, like her, made a vow of chastity,
and that she could therefore dwell with him in
perfect security. O how good God is to those
who hope in Him!
Hail, holy Joseph, hail!
Sweet Spouse of Mary, hail.
Chaste as the lily flower
In Eden's peaceful vale.