Then Mary, as if She were taking a sudden decision, lays the embroidery on Her lap and says: «I also have something to tell you. I never have anything to say, because you know how withdrawn I live. But today I have some news. I heard that our relative Elizabeth, Zacharias’ wife, is about to have a child…»
Joseph opens his eyes wide and exclaims: «At her age?»
«At her age» replies Mary smiling. «The Lord can do everything, and now He is giving this joy to our relative.»
«How do you know? Is the news certain?»
«A messenger came. One who would not tell lies. I would like to go to Elizabeth’s, to help her and tell her that I am rejoicing with her. If you will allow Me…»
«Mary, You are my lady and I Your servant. Whatever You do is well done. When would You like to go?»
«As soon as possible. But I shall be away for some months.»
«And I will count the days waiting for You. Go and don’t worry. I will look after the house and Your little garden. You will find the flowers as beautiful as if You had taken care of them. But… wait. Before Passover I must go to Jerusalem to buy some things for my work. If You can wait for a few days, I will come with You as far as Jerusalem. I can’t go any farther, because I must hurry back. But we can go there together. I will be happier if I know that You are not on the road by Yourself. When You want to come back, You can let me know and I will come and meet You.»
«You are so good, Joseph. May the Lord reward you with His blessings and keep sorrow away from you. I always pray to Him for that.»
18.6 The chaste couple smile at each other angelically. There is silence again for a little while.
Then Joseph gets up. He puts his mantle on and he covers his head with the hood. He says goodbye to Mary Who has also got up, and he goes out.
Mary looks at him going out and She sighs rather sadly. She then lifts Her eyes to Heaven. She is certainly praying. She closes the door carefully. She folds the embroidery. She goes into the kitchen, puts out or covers up the fire. She makes sure that everything is in order. She then takes the oil lamp and goes out closing the door. With Her hand She shields the feeble flame that flickers in the cool evening breeze… She enters Her room and prays once again.
The vision ends thus.