July 12, 2020, Ecclesiastes 3:1, 7b; Luke 2:39-52 – ISSL Reflections

I.
In this week’s scripture we are first reminded by the writer of Ecclesiastes that there is a proper “…season, and a time for every matter under heaven….” And then we jump over the naming of many of those “seasons” to a season that so often is difficult to manage, “a time to keep silence, and a time to speak.” Who, among us, has not had difficulty knowing when is the proper time for each?

Then we hear from the Gospel writer, Luke, as he gives us a very brief glimpse into Jesus’ youth.

Take note Luke writes, “The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.” (Luke 2:40); and then, “And Jesus increased in wisdom and in years, and in divine and human favor.” (Luke 2:52).

As you read the passage a couple of times, what stands out to you in those years for both Jesus’ parents and Jesus.

II.
Ecclesiastes 3:1, 7b (New Revised Standard Version)

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to keep silence, and a time to speak…

Luke 2:39-52 (New Revised Standard Version)

When they had finished everything required by the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.

Now every year his parents went to Jerusalem for the festival of the Passover. And when he was twelve years old, they went up as usual for the festival. When the festival was ended and they started to return, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but his parents did not know it. Assuming that he was in the group of travelers, they went a day’s journey. Then they started to look for him among their relatives and friends. When they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem to search for him. After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. When his parents saw him they were astonished; and his mother said to him, “Child, why have you treated us like this? Look, your father and I have been searching for you in great anxiety.” He said to them, “Why were you searching for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” But they did not understand what he said to them. Then he went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them. His mother treasured all these things in her heart.

And Jesus increased in wisdom and in years, and in divine and human favor.

III.
What about Jesus’ parents? They fulfill the law, they go to Passover every year, and then one year they head home after the festivities and don’t notice for a day that Jesus is not with them. Can you help me understand that?

Where is Jesus? In the Temple with the teachers of Law. I understand it is very customary for the Rabbis to study, question, argue, and debate about the Torah. But how customary is it for a 12-year old to be there with them?

Notice what is reported about Jesus. He sits with the teachers, he listens to the teachers, and he asks questions of the teachers. And, the teachers apparently quiz him. Enough so, that they are impressed with his grasp of the Law.

Back to Jesus’ parents. They find him and it seems to me they are more than a little upset with him for giving them such a scare.

Please tell me how you see Jesus’ response to them. Is he respectful of them or not? Is he surprised they are so slow to catch on?

I might think the whole episode would be embarrassing to Mary and Joseph, yet “His mother treasured all these things in her heart.” (Luke 2:51)

How is that possible?

Spend some time considering this scene and we’ll get back together later.

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}


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