Page:Meditations For Every Day In The Year.djvu/87



I. The  singular  sanctity  of  St.  Joseph  corresponded with his  exalted  office. God had  not  yet  revealed  to  him the mystery  of  the  Incarnation  in  order  to  prove  both  his and the  Virgin's  virtue. When he  perceived  her  pregnancy, he  was  much  troubled,  and  "  being  a  just  man, and  not  willing  publicly  to  expose  her,  he  thought  of putting  her  away  privately." (Matt. i.  19.)  Thus,  God frequently tries  the  virtue  and  perseverance  of  His  servants, though  only  for  a  time;  for  "  He  shall  not  suffer the  just  to  waver  forever." (Ps. liv.  23.)

II. Consider the  many  virtues  which  the  holy  man exercised in  this  perplexity  of  mind  :  Patience,  in  supporting and  concealing  the  matter;  charity,  in  not  reproaching her;  prudence,  in  taking  mature  deliberation with himself  in  regard  to  what  ought  to  be  done. Imitate his example  when  you  discover  anything  apparently wrong in  the  conduct  of  your  neighbor;  avoid  rash judgment, and  follow  the  advice  of  St.  Bernard  :  "excuse the  intention,  if  you  cannot  the  fact;  consider  it  a  mistake, judge  it  a  surprise,  think  it  a  chance."

III. Consider the  admirable  virtues  which  the  Virgin also exercised  during  this  perplexity  of  St. Joseph. She alleges  nothing  in  her  own  defence,  although she might  have  done  so. Her honor  was  in  question in a  matter  of  the  highest  and  most  delicate  importance. She chooses  to  be  silent,  however,  and  rather to commit  the  matter  to  God  alone  than  publish  anything which  might  redound  to  her  own  praise. "My secret to  myself,"  she  might  have  said  with  Isaias. (Is.