Page:Meditations For Every Day In The Year.djvu/88

 xxiv. 16.) This  is,  perhaps,  not  your  conduct:  you  immediately reveal  whatever  tends  to  your  own  commendation; and,  though  you  may  be  criminal,  you  attempt  even "  to  excuse  yourself  in  your  sins."    (Ps. cxl. 4.)

I. "  Behold,  the  angel  of  the  Lord  appeared  to  him  in his  sleep." (Matt. i.  20.)  This  angel  honors  St.  Joseph with the  title  of  son  of  David. He removes  from  his mind all  trouble  and  anxiety,  in  relation  to  his  spouse, by informing  him  of  the  mystery  of  the  Incarnation. Observe how  God,  in  due  time,  assists  holy  souls  who are in  distress;  when  all  human  means  fail,  He  sends them succor  from  heaven. Admire the  providence  of God,  which  never  abandons  us,  although  it  seems  to leave  us  for  a  time. " For  a  small  moment  have  I  forsaken thee,  but  with  great  mercy  will  I  gather  thee." (Is. liv.  7.)

II. Consider the  feelings  of  joy  which  St.  Joseph  experienced when  he  was  informed  of  the  mystery  of  the Incarnation, the  perfect  innocence  of  the  Virgin,  and  her election to  be  the  mother  of  God. He felt  the  importance of the  dignity  to  which  he  was  raised;  he  was  not  only the guardian  and  spouse  of  the  mother  of  God,  but  he was  also  the  reputed  father  of  the  Son  of  God;  and,  as father,  he  was  to  give  Him  the  name  of  Jesus. Congratulate Him on  His  elevation  to  this  honor,  and  reverence with  singular  devotion  him  whom  both  the  mother and the  Son  so  highly  honored.

III. Consider the  mutual  joy  of  the  Virgin  and  St. Joseph  after  the  angel  had  revealed  to  him  the  mystery of the  Incarnation. Conceive and  reverence  their  mutual