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February 18th: Jesus in the Temple
Why was it that Jesus remained behind in
Jerusalem without the knowledge of His parents?
It was to teach us that He had a Father in Heaven,
who had a claim before which that of (in earthly
parent must at once give way. He desired that we
should understand that when God calls us we must
obey, without any regard to the claims of those
whose authority is but an authority delegated to
them by Him. Hence no wish, no command of
any earthly parent or ruler has any weight if it is
in opposition to what God commands or wills, if
once we are absolutely certain that it is He who
commands or wills it. Jesus remaining behind in Jerusalem turned His steps to His Father's house. The Temple was the spot where he loved to dwell, saying in the words of the Psalmist, "Here will I dwell, for 1 have chosen it." Is it my wont to turn my steps to the Temple of God, and to visit the Blessed Sacrament as I would visit some great and all- powerful friend when I am staying near the place where he abides? How did Jesus spend those three days that He passed in Jerusalem? We have no record of their employment, save that we know from His own lips that He was about His Father's business. If this can always be said of us, it matters nothing what may be our external employment. This is the secret of sanctity, to be always doing, not what we like best, or what we have chosen for ourselves, but that which God gives us to do, either through the hands of our superiors, or through His holy inspirations directly conveyed to our souls.
Music: The Shepherds' Farewell
from L' Enfance du Christ Op. 25 by Hector Berlioz
1. Thou must leave Thy lowly dwelling,
The humble crib, the stable bare. Babe, all mortal babes excelling, Content our earthly lot to share. Loving father, Loving mother, Shelter Thee with tender care! 2. Blessed Jesus, we implore Thee With humble love and holy fear. In the land that lies before Thee, Forget not us who linger here! May the shepherd's lowly calling, Ever to Thy heart be dear! 3. Blest are ye beyond all measure, Thou happy father, mother mild! Guard ye well your heav'nly treasure, The Prince of Peace, The Holy Child! God go with you, God protect you, Guide you safely through the wild! |