11th Day — The Incarnation
The Word was made flesh. (St. John i. 14.)
1. God would not take flesh in Mary's womb without her consent. The angel, after giving his message, awaited her reply. No false humility prevented Mary from obeying the mandate; no self-consciousness made her shrink back. In words which are a model of obedience and prudence and forgetfulness of self, she accepted the divine maternity: "Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it done to me according to thy word."
2. One thing only was present to Mary's mind when she spoke these words: the wish to do exactly what God desired of her. This is the secret of all true virtue — to make His will the motive and the guiding principle of every action we do. If we do this we shall soon be saints. God speaks to our soul by His inspirations, by the voice of our superiors or spiritual directors, and in other ways. Be attentive to the voice of God, and when you know His holy will, do it promptly, generously, and perseveringly.
3. When Mary spoke these words: "Be it done to me according to thy word," an event took place which seems incredible. The infinite God became of the same nature with one of His finite creatures. The union between Mary and her God became the most intimate possible to any created being. God became flesh of her flesh and bone of her bone. What must have been the more than angelic purity of her nature before her God came to dwell with her! What must have been her almost infinite dignity after He had taken flesh in her sacred womb!
For the heaven He left He found heaven in thee;
For He shines in thy shining, sweet star of the sea!
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