Lest You Remain

6 “She was found with child through the power of the Holy Spirit” (see Matthew 1:18). The most Holy Virgin, through the Holy Spirit, conceived in her womb, the Son of God. This is a mystery, a grace, an article of faith. It was rightly said, that the One who was full of grace, full of the Holy Spirit, will conceive through the power of the Holy Spirit. Oh, if only you could say of your deeds, that they come from the Holy Spirit, that they were performed in the Holy Spirit! It is a great joy to possess the Holy Spirit, even greater, to act according to Him and, the greatest of all, to complete one’s days in the Holy Spirit. What should I say, to think about her, who carries in her virginal womb, the Son conceived through the Holy Spirit? Oh, the happiest of Virgins! The most blessed of Mothers! With all my heart, I con- gratulate you on this privilege, given to you alone, of the choir of holy women. Grant that we could live and die according to the Holy Spirit. ( Inspectio Cordis ) 7 “You shall conceive” (Luke 1:31). Think that upon conceiving the Son of God, the Most Holy Virgin was endowed with greater gifts and graces, and adorned with greater holiness than before. Similarly to the fruit which are the greatest decoration of the trees, she received unheard of beauty, majesty and holiness from the Most Holy Fruit of her womb. You should expect similar results, after receiving the Holy Sacrament, when you welcome into your heart, humble, obedient, courageous and patient Jesus: do not create obstacles from becoming more humble, more obedient, more courageous, and more patient than you were before. ( Inspectio Cordis ) 8 “When His Mother Mary was engaged” (Matthew 1:18). It is not your part to inquire into the deep mystery of virginity united with motherhood and motherhood with virginity. You should rather wonder at what was done for your salvation. What is it? How significant is it? The Virgin remains untouched and nevertheless, she becomes a Mother; she has a groom, but is a Virgin. The Divine virginal Bridegroom makes each of them an immaculate lily, yet the Son appears in-between and receives the glory. What a strange mystery, filled with wonder, worth of praise! The Virgin did not know man, and at the same time she carries in her womb, God and Man, Man and L EST Y OU R EMAIN W ITHOUT W ORK IN THE V INEYARD OF THE L ORD 118