Mary's separating love for GOD was the outcome of GOD'S separating love for Mary. Her very vow of virginity, which, humanly speaking, made it impossible for her to be the Mother of the Messias, was part of GOD'S plan, separating her from the rest of the world for this honour. When GOD wants something done, He separates the soul which He has chosen to do it, though at the moment the soul may be wholly unconscious of the reasons for the process which gives it so much pain. The separation may be one of place, or family, or affections, or cherished hopes and plans. GOD'S separating love takes various forms: but in some way or other He must and will separate from self those whom He intends to use for His service. St Paul says of himself that GOD separated him from his earliest infancy. (Gal. i. 15.) None would have guessed that he was separated when he was haling the Christians to death and persecuting the Church of GOD beyond measure. We understand so little of GOD'S plans, and of His preparation of souls for His service. St Paul tells us that later he was "separated unto the Gospel of GOD." (Rom. i. 1.) And when Our Lord wanted him for a special mission, the order went forth to the Church: "Separate me Saul and Barnabas for the work whereunto I have taken them." Help me, my Mother, to co-operate with grace, lest I hinder GOD'S designs for me; and while _His_ love is a separating one, may mine be the same--a love strong enough to separate me from all but His Will. _Colloquy_ with Mary, asking her to obtain for me the grace to say with her: "How shall this be done?" whenever the least thing comes between me and my duty to GOD. _Resolution._ To let nothing to-day separate me from the love of GOD. (Rom. viii. 39.) _Spiritual Bouquet._ "How shall this be done?" Mary's Second Word "_The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Most High shall overshadow thee. And therefore also the Holy, which shall be born of thee, shall be called the Son of GOD. And Mary said: Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it done to me according to Thy word._" (St Luke i. 35, 38.) _1st Prelude._ Picture of the Annunciation. _2nd Prelude._ Grace to meditate more deeply on the _First Joyful Mystery_. _Point I._--GABRIEL'S EXPLANATION