|
February 4th: Jesus at Nazareth
What is it that comes out most prominently,
as we watch the daily life of Jesus at Nazareth?
Perhaps its most remarkable trait is its apparently
ordinary and commonplace character. There is
nothing striking about it; nothing that men would
deem heroic or worthy of admiration. The life of
the Son of God was just the sort of life that would
be lived by the son of any poor couple who had to
work for their daily bread. He helped His Mother
in the work of the house, ran errands, and as time
went on worked under the direction of His foster-
father in the carpenter's shop. If these were the
employments of the Son of God for twenty years,
and more, shall I complain if my daily occupations
are ordinary and matter of fact duties? We next observe how all the work of Jesus was done under obedience, not because He liked it, or because it was useful, but simply because He was told to do it. Is this my motive in my actions? and do I rejoice in work done under obedience? or, on the other hand, am I inclined to rebel against orders that are opposed to what I think is right and best? Another feature of Jesus' work at Nazareth was that it apparently produced no results. There was nothing to show for it when it was done. The world estimates the value of any work by the external effects that it has to show. Judged by this standard, the time of the Son of God at Nazareth was wasted. Hence learn not to judge of work by its immediate results, since these are no test whether it produces solid fruit to the glory of God and the good of 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! |