May there not be a warning here for those who, having, in imitation of Mary, taken the Vow of Virginity, desire too ardently to be the "spiritual Mothers of children"? Mary had no such desires. Her whole desire was for union with GOD--there was not a tinge of self in it. The soul which thinks itself unworthy of being used is the one GOD uses, the soul which is wrapped up in seeking after its own perfection, hiding itself in its interior life, living its life in solitude with GOD and for GOD. Blessed are the Mothers of spiritual children! Yes, but rather blessed are they who hear the word of GOD and keep it. There should be no limit to our zeal for souls, but it should be covered up by an annihilation of self, and an unobtrusive humility--a humility which teaches us to _act_, not to talk, as if _we_ could never be the ones chosen by GOD to do His work. Humility, far from being an obstacle, always makes it easier for GOD to carry out His plans. _Colloquy._ "O Mary, Queen of Virgins, grant that by thy intercession we may deserve to be presented one day to the Most High in the Temple of His glory." (_Collect for the Feast of the Presentation, B.V.M., Nov. 21._) _Resolution._ To present myself often to GOD to-day. _Spiritual Bouquet._ "Congratulate me, all ye that love the Lord, because when I was a little one, I pleased the Most High." (_Common Office of Our Lady._) Mary's Marriage "_Joseph, the husband of Mary, of whom was born JESUS, Who is called Christ._" (St Matt. i. 16.) _1st Prelude._ Picture of the marriage of Our Lady and St Joseph. _2nd Prelude._ The grace of confidence in GOD. _Point I._--MARY Twelve years have passed since the little child mounted the Temple steps to present herself to GOD. Never, during that time, has she taken back the smallest part of her offering. Always has she been presenting herself as a living sacrifice; always has she been _full_ of grace, doing GOD'S will perfectly, glorifying Him by her every thought, word, and action, as no human creature had ever glorified Him. How much Mary added during those twelve years to the Treasury of merits from which the Church was to draw, through all time, in answer to the appeals of her children, who were anxious to make satisfaction for their sins! In return for a little Indulgenced Prayer, or Act, the Church unlocks the Treasury, and the superabundant merits of Mary, added to the infinite merits of her Divine Son, are given to the suppliant, either to make satisfaction for his own sins, or, if he will, to be applied to the souls in Purgatory, and thus lessen the debt they owe to GOD, and shorten the distance that lies between them and the Beatific Vision, for which they so earnestly long.