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February 28th: Farewell to Nazareth
At length the day dawned, when Mary had
to part from Jesus. It is always hard for a mother
to part from her only son, even when he goes
forth to brilliant prospects of wealth and honor
and renown; but what is it if she knows that he is
destined to sorrow and disappointment, to ill-usage,
to hardships of every kind, to persecution,
imprisonment, torture, death? All this Mary knew
was in store for her well-beloved Son. What
must have been her unspeakable sorrow as she bade
Him her fond farewell. But this grief was at least consoled by His presence as long as He was with her. It was when He was gone that the storm of anguish burst in all its violence over her breaking heart. It was when she saw His place empty, and the music of His Divine words sounded no longer in her ears, that she realized how she was to share by her Compassion in the bitter sufferings of the Son of God. O Mary, who knowest so well what it is to have the heart torn by anguish, help us when we are shedding tears of agony over the dangers or the sufferings of one who is dear to us as life itself. As Jesus turned His back on Nazareth, we may be sure that He shed many a tear of fond regret at the thought of the happy days He had spent in the cottage where He had dwelt for near thirty years with His Mother and St. Joseph. This remembrance of the past was joined to an intense grief at the thought He was causing Mary by leaving her alone. O Jesus, full of Divine pity, have pity on us now and in all our times of darkness and desolation.
Music: The Shepherds' Farewell
from L' Enfance du Christ Op. 25 by Hector Berlioz
1. Thou must leave Thy lowly dwelling,
The humble crib, the stable bare. Babe, all mortal babes excelling, Content our earthly lot to share. Loving father, Loving mother, Shelter Thee with tender care! 2. Blessed Jesus, we implore Thee With humble love and holy fear. In the land that lies before Thee, Forget not us who linger here! May the shepherd's lowly calling, Ever to Thy heart be dear! 3. Blest are ye beyond all measure, Thou happy father, mother mild! Guard ye well your heav'nly treasure, The Prince of Peace, The Holy Child! God go with you, God protect you, Guide you safely through the wild! |