The Finding of Jesus in the Temple among the Doctors
For three days Joseph had sought Jesus, and
at length, wearied with the fruitless search, he and
Our Lady betook themselves to the Temple, that
there before the mercy-seat, they might beg God
to have mercy on them. Here was true wisdom,
Why do we not imitate them in desolation? In
our temples we have, not the symbolical presence
of God, but God Himself, God Incarnate, waiting
to listen to us. Why do I not more often have
recourse to Him?
In one of the halls of the Temple, they espied
a group of old men, gathered around a Boy, and
absorbed in their conversation with Him. In an
instant Joseph recognized Him whom they sought.
Now all his anxiety was at an end; the darkness of
night was turned into the dazzling brightness of
the glorious day. So in an instant Jesus can work
for us the same merciful change, and by His presence can turn all our darkness into light.
What was Jesus doing? He was listening to
what the Rabbis had to say about the Messiah,
putting questions to them which set them a-thinking whether the time had not come for His appearance, answering their questions with such supernatural wisdom that the old men sat there astonished, and, as it were, in a trance. Jesus was
anticipating His Public Ministry, beginning at that
early age the work which He had come to accomplish. So from the first He began His work within
my soul, suggesting holy thoughts, pouring in
heavenly wisdom. Alas, how little have I learned
His Divine lessons!