CONVERSATIONS
In imagination I enter Elizabeth's home as Mary
came to visit her.
What lessons of modesty, humility, discretion, and Love
I learn here!
Elizabeth recognized Mary as Mother of
her God (cf. Lk 1:42-43), showered gifts and
blessings upon her, praised her greatness, and
congratulated her on the extraordinary favors
God had done her.
Far from, letting herself be dazzled by her
own dignity, Mary gave back to God the praise
offered her and used the occasion to glorify
the Lord.
She admitted that God Who is might has done
great things for me (Lk 1:49) but she also
assigned all the glory to Him. She did not forget
that, though she was Mother of God, she was
also the servant of the Lord (Lk 1:38). Here
is sincere humility with none of that false
modesty that so often masks a secret pride.
How many people refuse the praise offered
them because they hope thereby to win even
greater praise! Thus they press modesty itself
into the service of vanity.
Mary and Elizabeth thought only of God
and His great deeds and mercies. They were
filled with love and found their delight in telling
of the wonderful things His wisdom, power
and goodness had accomplished.
The mouth speaks whatever fill the heart (Mt 12:34).
You speak only of the world and its empty
show; that is sure proof that you love only
the world and that your heart is the victim
of its illusions.
"Those others belong to the world," said Jesus
to His beloved disciple; "that is why what they
say is from the world, and the world listens to
them" (1 Jn 4:5). If they belonged to God they
would speak of Him or at least say nothing that
was not inspired by His spirit.
Remember that when God judges you, you
will have to render an account for every word
(Mt 12:36). What a good reason for you to be
afraid!
How few conversations take place even
among professedly devout people that do not
lengthen the account we must render to God!
Chapter 26, The Imitation of Mary
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