The Catholic bulletin. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1911-1995, 1913-12-20
THE JOURNEY TO BETHLEHEM.
Caesars Pride and Mary's Humility
Alike Serve Gods Purpose.

Alike Serve Gods Purpose.
Caesar Augustus, the Roman EN-
peror, is at peace with the conquered
world He is eager to know the
number of his subjects, the extent
and strength and riches of the coun-
try under his sway. He orders that
a general census be taken. That or
der is executed and his pride is
gratified. But herein is shown the
depth of eternal wisdom! writes Fa-
Their Chaignon, S. j., in his "Medita-
tions" While Caesar thinks only of
gratifying his ambition and pride, he
is, in spite of himself, preparing the
ways of the Lord and the proof of
His divine mission, according to what
had been prophesied centuries before
Mary is at Nazareth; the days of
her delivery are near at hand, and
she thinks not of leaving Nazareth,
though she we'll knows that Bethle-
hem is the place where, according to
) the prophets, Jesus is to be born.
She remains at home, under the roof
of her spouse. And yet, in order the
better to instruct man and draw him
to love his God, the Son of God is to
be born in stable. Mary is the wife
of a poor tradesman. The Holy One
that is to come must be recorded, so
that the documents may show, in an
authentic manner, the date and place
of His birth, that the whole world
may bear testimony to the perfect ac-
complishment of Messianic prophecy.
Finally, the long-expected Messias is
to be born in the most abject poverty
and restitution. He who is to estab-
lish a kingdom not of this world, is
destined to give an example of humil-
ity, patience, voluntary poverty, and
Christian self-abnegation.
All is arranged by the hand of
God; Gods almighty power executes
the plan devised by His wisdom.
Obedient to the edict of Caesar, Mary
goes to Bethlehem to be registered,
where, owing to the great crowd of
strangers, she is unable to find
lodging place Thus it is that 'all
things turn into good to them who
love God" All events, whether of
great or small Importance, virtues as
well as vices, the ambition of Angus
tus and the humility of Mary, all tend
to execute the designs of Almighty
God. Oh, what consolation and what
treasures of merit will be Joseph's
and Mary's at the end of this journey,
which, to a worldly minded person,
seems undertaken amid such trying
circumstances. cit is good to confide
in the Lord, rather than to have con-
fdence in man. 1t is good
to trust in the Lord, rather than to
trust in princes"
Obedience of Mary and Joseph on the
Journey.
At the command of Augustus the
whole empire went to be enrolled,
every one into his own city" Joseph
and Mary did not claim exemption,
though they might we'll have done so.
The sublime dignity of the Virgin, the
far-surpassing dignity of Him whose
mother she was soon to be, the hard
ship of such journey in her present
condition, all these reasons they could
have put forth. But they did not.
The two holy consorts obey the com
mand of the emperor; they see there
in the command of God Himself, and
make not a moments delay. "And
Joseph went up from Galilee out of
the city of Nazareth into Judea to the
city of David with Mary
his espoused wife, who was the
child"
Many trials were to come during the
journey, and especially at it's end
But Mary and Joseph were prepared
to meet them, and remained full OF
confidence Up to that day they had
relied on God as children rely on their
parents, and they were not disappoint
ed. But in the present circumstance
they have an unlimited confidence in
the Almighty, for Mary carries in hel
virginia. womb the Master of the uni
verse. Well might she say with ever
greater truth than David: Though
/ should walk in the midst of the
shadow of death, l will fear no evils
for Thou art with me-"
o my soul, do you realize the trutl
of these words: when Jesus is near
all goes well, and nothing seems diff
cult?" To-day my confidence shoulC
be greater than ever. Mary is abou
to give birth to Jesus. A few day.
more and we will commemorate thu
great event.
And when does Jesus come to III
more truly than in the solemnity o
Christmas, on which our priests cele
brate three Masses and receive Hin
as many times in the most intimat,
manner? One would say that the fit
test abiding-place for God is in tn,
heart of priest. Almighty God
grant that, having waited with ;
longing heart for the coming of TIL.
Son, we may receive with joy Hin
Who liveth and reigneth with Thee 70
ever and ever. Amen.