FRIDAY.
The Journey to Bethlehem.
I. " In those days there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that the whole world should be enrolled. " (Luke ii. i.) The disposition of divine Providence was most wonderful. Christ might have been born where, and when, and in whatever circumstances He pleased, but He refused every convenience for Himself, in order to teach us that the spirit of poverty was His favorite virtue. He was born in the middle of winter, when His parents, in consequence of Caesar's edict, were far from Nazareth, in order that He night deprive Himself of those small conveniences which their house might afford Him. " Oh the depth of the riches, of the wisdom, and of the knowledge of God!" (Rom. xi. 33.) Reflect upon this, you who are constantly employed in seeking your own ease and conveniences, and learn what ought to be your practice. Speaking upon this, St. Bernard observes: " Either God is deceived or the world is in an error," because their manners of acting are diametrically opposite. Examine which it is better to follow.
II. St. Joseph and the Virgin obeyed the edict, though the motive of the Emperor was not the best, and though their obedience was attended with inconvenience. View the holy travellers: they present an object worthy of the divine approbation and of the admiration of men, in consequence of their conformity to the will of God, their patience, and their modesty. Imagine the divine entertainment which the Virgin received from her Son; respect the holy travellers, and venerate that divine poverty which rendered them so pleasing to God.
