examination of the heart 346 lily of virginity, and yet, between them, the Son appears in the middle and is adored. O most wonderful mystery, full of wonder and worthy of admiration! The Virgin did not know man, and yet she carries in her womb God who is at the same time Man, and Man who is at the same time God. He is God, born of the Father before the ages without a mother; He is Man, created in time in the Mother without a father, by the action of the Holy Spirit. Indeed, there is no other mystery that we revere and admire more, and which amazes us more. None of the divine works is grander. And you, dust and clay, do you see what God did for your sake? To what extent the Son abased Himself? How far does the omnipotence of the Father reach? Shall you not love Him for this? 2. “She was found to be with child of the Holy Spirit” (Mt 1:18). The wives of the ancient pagans pretended that they bore (children) from gods. This is false, impious, and a pagan deception.156 The Most Holy Virgin Mary is with child, the Son of God, through the Holy Spirit. It is a mystery, a grace, and an article of faith. Indeed, it is justly said that she conceived through the Holy Spirit; she who was full of grace and full of the Holy Spirit. Oh, if only this could be affirmed about your actions: that they proceed from the Holy Spirit, that they are made perfect by the Holy Spirit! Truly, it is a great happiness to possess the Holy Spirit; greater still, to act according to the Holy Spirit; and the greatest, to finish one’s own days in the Holy Spirit. What shall I say or think about her who carries in her virginal womb the Son conceived by the Holy Spirit? O happiest of virgins! O most blessed of mothers! From the depths of my heart I rejoice with you, Mary, for such a privilege granted to you alone among the entire multitude of Holy Women. Bring it about that we live and die according to the Holy Spirit. 3. “[he] resolved to put her away quietly” (Mt 1:19). Even the saints may easily become suspicious of the saints, especially if there is an external reason to do so. Who was holier 156 Cf. Parandowski, p. 173.
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