Dear Brothers and Sisters,
St. Louis de Montfort, in Chapter 9 of his treatise on
“The Love of Eternal Wisdom” continues to look at Incarnate Wisdom, Jesus, as He came to live among us.
- His conception took place on Friday, 25th March, and on 25th December the Saviour of the world was born at Bethlehem and was cradled in a manger in a poor stable. An angel brought the news of the Saviour’s birth to shepherds who were keeping watch over their flocks in the fields. He invited them to go to Bethlehem to adore their Saviour. At the same time they heard celestial music, voices of angels singing, “Glory to God in the heavens and peace on earth to men who are God’s friends” (Lk. 2:14).
- On the eighth day after His birth, as prescribed by the Law of Moses, He was circumcised, even though He was not subject to the law, and He was called Jesus, the name that came from heaven. Three wise men came from the east to adore Him having learnt of His birth through the appearance of an extraordinary star which guided them to Bethlehem. This event is celebrated on 6th January, the feast of the Epiphany, that is, the manifestation of God.
- Forty days after His birth He chose to offer Himself in the Temple, observing all that the Law of Moses prescribed for the redeeming of the first-born. Some time later the angel told St Joseph, spouse of the Blessed Virgin, to take the infant Jesus and His Mother into Egypt to escape the wrath of Herod. This he did. Some authors hold the opinion that our Lord stayed in Egypt for two years; others say for three, and others such as Baronius, think it was as many as eight years. He sanctified the whole of the country by his presence by making it worthy to be dwelt in by the holy hermits, as history has shown. Eusebius tells us that at the approach of Jesus the devils took to flight, and St Athanasius adds that the idols toppled over.
To the end of this chapter St. Louis de Montfort describes what was known and taught in his time. He will go further in Chapter 10 to describe the Beauty and Gentleness of Incarnate Wisdom, as God gave this saint the grace to ponder in his heart, as Mary pondered in her heart, all Jesus said and did.
Come Holy Spirit, enable us to ask for Grace to know all the Truth of Jesus – as He promised You would bring to the Church, through Mary, from whom all graces flow.
Jesus we trust in You. Mary, Mother and Model of the Church pray for us.
