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February 22nd: Jesus' Reply
The answer to Mary's question was an expression
of wonder that Mary and Joseph should
seek Him. "How is it that ye sought Me?" He did
not really think it strange that they should look
for Him whom they had lost, and the loss of whom
turned the day into night for them. But He
desired that we should regard it as no strange thing
if sometimes He leaves us alone; for if He thus
treated His holy Mother and His foster-father, it
must be a mark of His love if He treats us as He
treated them. "The reason Jesus gives for wondering that they sought Him, was, they must have known that His one aim in all that He did was to do His Father's work and carry out His Father's will. "Did you not know that I must be about My Father's business?" Did you not know that if I remained in Jerusalem, it was because I was thus fulfilling the will of Him that sent Me? No other motive but this ever influences any action that I do, or any word that I speak. Can I take these words into my mouth, and declare the will of God to be my one and only motive? Why did Jesus speak of His presence among the doctors as in a special sense "His Father's business"? Because He had been sent on earth to proclaim to men the Truth. "For this cause," He says to Pilate, "I came into the world, to bear witness to the Truth." All His servants have in one form or other the same mission. We all, if we are to do God's business, must sometimes proclaim to others the inspired truths that He has revealed to us. Do I do this boldly and yet prudently when occasion offers?
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! |