The Childhood and Youth of Jesus · Part 1 · Chapter 14

Mary's vision of the two peoples. The first signs of labour. Shelter in a nearby cave. 23 August 1843

01] Thus, the devout group of travellers came within six hours of Bethlehem and rested there in the open.

02] Joseph looked at Mary and found that she seemed full of pain, and mortified he thought to himself:

03] "What can it be? Mary's face is full of pain, and her eyes are filled with tears! – Maybe her time is nearing?"

04] Then Joseph again looked closer at Mary, and, to his great surprise, saw her laughing!

05] He then asked her: "Mary, tell me, what is happening to you? – For in one moment I see your face full of pain, but then in the next moment you are laughing and radiating with joy!"

06] And Mary said to Joseph: "See, I just saw two peoples in front of me; the first one cried and then I was forced to cry with them.

07] But the other moved in front of me laughing and was full of happiness and joy; and I had to laugh with them and join in their joy! – This is all that appeared as pain and joy on my face."

08] As Joseph heard this he felt calm again, since he knew that Mary often had visions, and he let them break camp to continue their journey and they proceeded towards Bethlehem. –

09] But as they came closer to Bethlehem, Mary suddenly spoke to Joseph:

10] "Listen to me, Joseph! – That which is inside me starts to press strongly; therefore let us rest!"

11] Joseph was startled by Mary's sudden outcry, for he now saw that the moment he had most feared had arrived.

12] So he let them stop immediately. Then Mary spoke again to Joseph:

13] "Take me down from the she-ass; for That which is in me presses strongly and wants to come out! And I do can not resist Its pressure any longer!"

14] But Joseph said: "But for the Lord's sake! You can see that there is no shelter here – where shall I bring you?"

15] However, Mary said: "Look, over there in the hill is a cave; it can be hardly a hundred steps away! Take me there; it is impossible for me to go any further!"

16] Thereupon Joseph steered his cart there and in this cave, which the shepherds used as a stable in time of need, to his great joy he found some hay and straw, which he promptly used to prepare a provisional bed for Mary.