Theological Foundations new file

158 Theological Foundations Mary always mortified herself, she was always busy with something and devoted to her duties. “So, how will I describe the meagerness of her nourishment compared with the abundance of duties? (...) With regard to the duties — never a moment without something to do; regarding nourishment — the entire day spent in fasting. Even when she felt the need for nourishment, the food was usually simple, sufficient to keep death at bay, not to give pleasure. She desired sleep only when it was necessary, and when the body was resting, the spirit kept vigil; the spir- it which, during our sleep, often repeats things read, fulfills tasks assigned or announces future works.” 65 And what could be said about Mary’s other virtues? — asks Father Papczynski with a certain pathos. Mary was a virgin not only in her body but also in her thoughts because she did not in the least oppose the vow of chastity. She did not put her hope in riches but in poverty, she was always occupied with some kind of work. She was humble of heart, full of dignity in her words, discerning and moderate in speech, good and understanding for everyone, full of respect for the elderly. She was never jealous of anybody or anything and never proud. She was also perfect in her attitude and gestures because everything in her flowed from the most noble heart and was an expression of the highest perfection. 66 This is what Mary had to be like as she was designated to be the Mother of God. Therefore, no one should be surprised that God Himself adorned her with so many virtues that it is difficult to enumerate them all and no other mortal being is able to possess all of them. 67 Father Papczynski encourages us in particular to imitate Mary’s forti- tude which manifested itself in various adversities: for example when Jesus was born in poverty and cold, when the Holy Family had to flee to Egypt to escape Herod’s cruelty, and especially during Christ’s Passion. She watched her Son’s death without any interior breakdown and became an admirable example of great spiritual strength. 68 “She stood as still as a rock, exposed to all the dangers of the heaviest of tem- pests; steeped in the waves of immeasurable grief, she did not allow them to beset her; consumed by the highest wave of depression, she did