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Preparatory Prayer  (p. 95).

ell versed  as  Mary  was  in  Holy  Scripture, she fully  understood  the  words  she  had heard and  knew  their  great  import. She was destined to  become  the  Mother  of  the  Most  High, the Son  of  God. But there  is  an  obstacle  which prevents her  from  giving  immediate  assent. She has solemnly  vowed  her  virginity  to  God. Not knowing how  the  mystery  announced  to  her  was to be  accomplished,  and  intent  above  all  on  keeping inviolate  her  vow,  she  interrupts  her  silence by the  short  but  comprehensive  question,  "How shall  this  be  done,  because  I  know  not  man?" (Luke i.  34.)  This  is  the  first  word  of  Mary recorded In  the  Gospel.

ow shall  this  be  done,  because  I  know  not a man?" Truly  a  momentous  question,  proceeding from  her  knowledge  of  the  great  excellence and  value  before  God  of  virginity, which,  before  Mary,  was  unknown  to  the world.

Let us  follow  Mary's  example  and  esteem  holy purity and  chastity  above  all  things. Let us  re-