Joseph's Annunciation (part 2)

Joseph leaves Mary at Her mother's home and returns to his own house. He is disturbed with his decision but has thought it over and over in his mind. He continues to mull it over as he again works late into the night. Finally, exhaustion takes over and he lays down to rest. Sinking into a deep sleep, light fills his dreams as Gabriel appears to him with the (well-known) explanation and alternative plan of action.

What joy enters his soul. What delight fills his mind. His ecstasy cannot be contained. He laughs himself awake. "Father in Heaven, of course! Of course You may do whatever You wish! I am Your humble servant! Oh dear Father! My heavenly delight!" He laughs; he cries; he cannot contain himself. He rushes to the door and pushes it open, wanting to run to Mary and tell Her of his mistake, but it is still night and the morning star has not yet risen. So he closes the door and begins looking around in his workshop, as if trying to find something in particular. He seems satisfied to find a good piece of wood and begins working on a new project right then and there in the middle of this summer night.

Morning comes quickly and, just as quickly, comes a soft knock on Joseph's door. Joseph runs to open it and his heart is not disappointed to see before him the object of his joy standing there to greet him. The Blessed Mother stands there, innocent and pure, Her face radiating peace and love and beauty.

"Mary, my beloved Mary! My wife! My precious and blameless wife! Oh my dear, sweet angel!"
And, just like Elizabeth had done at their meeting (from another meditation), Joseph drops to his knees embracing the "Chalice of the Lord" and presses his ear to Her belly, crying and praying lovely words of adoration and praise: "My Jesus, Son of the Living God! Have mercy on me, a sinner!... Praise and thanks to You, Father, for this most holy Child!... for this most holy Mother and Her Child!"he weeps.

"My soul magnifies the Lord!...." Mary repeats Her famous song.

Over in the corner of the workshop, by candlelight I can see the project that Joseph has been working on: a baby cradle.