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 HE SERVANTS of Salome and the aides of Cornelius and Salome and Cornelius themselves helped expedite all of Joseph's belongings.
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Salome then led the group into the well furnished rooms of the homestead.
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Joseph was greatly surprised at the great cleanliness which was kept in his house,
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for all the beds were clean and freshly made; and the stable was also kept in the best order.
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When Joseph had assured himself of how excellently Salome had provided for him in every way,
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he asked her, 'Oh dear lady friend, you can plainly see that I am poor and do not have the least wealth now. How will I ever be able to repay you?'
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When Salome heard this question from Joseph, she said weeping,
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'Oh my truly esteemed friend! What indeed do I have, in this world which I did not receive from Him who now rests on the arms of the frail Mary?
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And since it is forever true that I have received everything from Him who is with you in such an eternally marvelous way, how could I call that mine which always belonged to Him who is with you?
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Oh the Lord, the Holy One from eternity, surely did not come into a strange land to us poor sinners;
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instead He came into His very own from eternity - therefore we can give Him nothing.
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Instead we bring Him only what belongs to Him with the strength which He has given us-
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and thus every mention of a debt to me on your part is forever void, for I have already been rewarded for all eternity through the grace of the infinite, most high calling to provide for you -
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and that all the more, since I feel it in the whole depth of my life that I am surely the least worthy of this holy calling!'
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Here Salome could not continue speaking, so she was silent and wept in her love and joy.
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At this moment the little Child awakened and became lively.
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And when in a gay mood He had righted Himself on Mary's lap, He looked lovingly over toward Salome and toward Cornelius and said,
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'Oh Salome, and you too, My Cornelius! See, I was asleep, but your great love has awakened Me!
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Truly, that is sweet and pleasant, and thus it shall remain forever!
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From now on I will sleep for everyone in my divine Essence - but whoever will come to Me with your love, for him I will remain awake forever!
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Salome, go to your rest now, and bring me a good breakfast tomorrow.'
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And Salome was thoroughly enchanted that she had thus heard the Lord speak for the first time. All now honored and praised God and then retired.
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