The Grotto of Bethlehem
By Saint Alphonsus Liguori - Princes are born in rooms adorned with gold; cradles with precious stones and precious mantillas; And for the King of Heaven, is a cold, fireless cave prepared for Him
Note from the translator: This text is taken from the writings of Saint Alphonsus and is propose to us as reading for December 24th where he guide us in a meditation in a form of an imaginary conversation between Saint Joseph and Virgin Mary. The source for this text in Portuguese can be read here. The original in Italian can be found in the “Opere di S. Alfonso M. de LIGUORI. Tomi 3, Marietti 1845-57, pg. 727”.
Seeing themselves repulsed everywhere, Saint Joseph and the Blessed Virgin leave the city in order to find at least some shelter outside. The poor travellers walk in darkness, wandering and lurking; after all, at the foot of the walls of Bethlehem, they found a rock excavated in the form of a cave, which served as a stable for the animals.
Then Mary said:
- Joseph, my Spouse, we don't need to go further; let us enter this cave and let us stay here.
- But how? answers St. Joseph; Can't you see, my Spouse, that this cave is so cold and damp that water runs everywhere? Do you not see that it is not a dwelling place for men, but a stable for animals? How do you want to spend the night here and give birth?
– However, it is true, replied Mary, that this stable is the royal palace where the eternal Son of God wants to be born on earth.
Oh! What would the angels have said when they saw the divine Mother enter that cave to give birth! Princes are born in rooms adorned with gold; cradles inlaid with precious stones and precious mantillas are prepared for them; and the first lords of the kingdom make a procession for him. And for the King of Heaven, is a cold, fireless cave prepared for him to be born in, some poor cloths to cover him, a little straw for a bed, and a vile manger to place him in? Ubi class, ubi throneus? My God, so asks Saint Bernard, where is the court, where is the royal throne of this King of heaven, since I see only two animals to keep him company, and a manger of irrationals, in which he must be laid?
O blessed Grotto, which had the good fortune of seeing the divine Word born within you! O happy nativity scene, which you had the honor of receiving the Lord from heaven in you! O blessed straw, which you served as a bed to him whose throne is supported by seraphim! Yes, you were blessed, O Cave, O crib, O straw; more blessed, however, are the hearts that tenderly and fervently love this most amiable Lord, and who, aflame with love, receive him in Holy Communion. Oh, with what joy and satisfaction will Jesus Christ alight in the heart that loves him!