Immaculate Heart

Scripture/Bible:  Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the Passover. 42 And when he was twelve years old, they went up according to custom; 43 and when the feast was ended, as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. His parents did not know it, 44 but supposing him to be in the company they went a day's journey, and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintances; 45 and when they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking him. 46 After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions; 47 and all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. 48 And when they saw him they were astonished; and his mother said to him, "Son, why have you treated us so? Behold, your father and I have been looking for you anxiously." 49 And he said to them, "How is it that you sought me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house?" 50 And they did not understand the saying which he spoke to them. 51 And he went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them; and his mother kept all these things in her heart. Luke 2:41-51

Reflection: "Son, why have you treated us so? Behold, your father and I have been looking for you anxiously."

These words of Mary suggest disobedience concerning the child Jesus; "Son, why have you treated us so?

What else can be the treatment, except that Jesus took unilateral action to remain behind without informing the parents? It could be a case of over zealousness on the part of Jesus to embark on a ministry, before time, in which he may have been prepared by Mary herself.

"How is it that you sought me since I must be in my Father’s house?" And who taught him to utter these words? Could it be the Holy Spirit who taught Jesus how to answer his parents?

Listen carefully; “did you not know…..” This means they knew about it and they should have known it, that he was a dedicated child and that he should be after his Father business, because they taught him so.  

Did not Mary know that the Child born to her was from the Holy Spirit and so too Joseph his foster father, was it not revealed to him in a dream?   (Lk..1:32, 34)

Yes, they knew it, yet it was no reason for Jesus to behave this way with his parents, God had put them in charge over him for the moment and he had to be obedient to them.

In the light of this, we see Mary’s immaculate heart as shining example of love and respect to the God of history, conceived in her womb. 

She still dares to address him as “Son” and then the gentle rebuke, rather than the scold. Respecting his free will and capacity to think and judge and at the same time revealing the wonderful side of her humaneness in treating her child. This is so unlike most modern parents in spite of all their education.

Prayer:  By the glorious intercession of the Blessed Mary, ever Virgin,  may we be delivered from present sorrow and enjoy eternal happiness. Through Christ Our Lord. Amen. 

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