Saint Joseph goes to Bethlehem with His Holy Spouse

A meditation by St. Alphonsus de Ligouri

God had decreed that his Son should be born not in the house of Joseph, but in a cavern and stable of beasts, in the poorest and most painful way that a child can be born; and therefore He caused Caesar to publish an edict, by which people were commanded to go and enrol themselves, every one in his own city whence he drew his origin.

When Joseph heard this order, he was much agitated as to whether he should take with him or leave behind the Virgin Mother, as she was now so near childbirth. My spouse and my lady, said he to her, on the one hand, I do not wish to leave you alone; on the other, if I take you with me, I am much afflicted at the thought of all that you will have to suffer during this long journey, and in such severe weather. My poverty will not permit me to conduct you with that comfort which you require. But Mary answers him and tries to give him courage with these words: My Joseph, do not fear. I will go with you; the Lord will assist us. She knew, both by divine inspiration, and also because she was well versed in the prophecy of Micheas, that the divine Infant was to be born in Bethlehem. She therefore takes the swaddling clothes, and the other miserable garment, already prepared, and departs with Joseph.

Let us now consider all the devout and holy discourses which these two holy spouses must have held together during this journey concerning the mercy, goodness, and love of the divine Work, who was shortly to be born, and to appear on the earth for the salvation of men. Let us also consider the praises, the benedictions, the thanksgivings, the actos of humility and love, which these two holy illustrious pilgrims uttered on the way. This holy Virgin, so soon to become a mother, certainly suffered much in so long a journey, made in the middle of winter, and over rough roads; but she suffered with peace and with love. She offered to God all these her trials, uniting them to those of Jesus, whom she carried in her womb.

Oh, let us unite ourselves also, and let us accompany Mary and Joseph in the journey of our life; and with them, let us accompany the King of Heaven, who is born in a cave and makes his first appearance in the world as an infant, but as the poorest and most forsaken infant that ever was born amongst men. And let us beseech, Jesus, Mary and Joseph that, through the merits of the pains which they suffered in this journey, that they would accompany us in the journey that we are making to eternity. Oh blessed shall we be, if in life and in death, we keep company whit these three great personages, and are always accompanied by them!

My beloved Redeemer, I know that in this journey Thou was accompanied by hosts of angels from heaven: bit on this earth who was there that bore Thee company? Thou hadst but Joseph and Mary who carried Thee with her. Refuse not, O my Jesus! that I also accompany Thee. Miserable ungrateful sinner that I have been, I now see the injuries I have done Thee; Thou didst come down from heaven to make Thyself my companion on earth, and I by my frequent offences have ungratefully abandoned Thee! When I remember, O my Saviour! that for the sake of my own cursed inclinations I have often separated myself from Thee and renounced Thy friendship, I could wish to die of sorrow. But Thou didst come into the world to forgive me: therefore, forgive me now, I beseech Thee, for I repent with all my soul of having so often turned my back upon Thee and forsaken Thee. I purpose and hope, through Thy grace, nevermore to leave or separate myself from Thee, O my only love!

My soul has become enamoured of Thee, O my amiable infant God! I love Thee, my sweet Saviour; and since Thou hast come upon earth to save me and to dispense to me Thy graces, I ask this one only grace of Thee, permit me not ever again to be separated from Thee. Unite me, bind me to Thyself, enchain me with the sweet cords of They holy love. O my Redeemer and My God, who will then have the heart to leave Thee, and to live without Thee, deprived of Thy grace? Most Holy Mary, I come to accompany thee in this journey: and thou, O my Mother, cease not to accompany me in the journey that I am making toward eternity. Do thou assist me always, but especially when I shall find myself at the end of my life, and near that moment on which will depend my remaining always with thee to love Jesus in paradise, or my being forever separated from thee and hating Jesus in hell. My Queen, save me by thy intercession: and may my salvation be to love thee and Jesus forever, in time and in eternity. Thou art my hope: I hope everything from thee.