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February 20th: The Finding of Jesus
For three days Joseph and Mary had sought in
vain for Jesus. Every hour increased their agony
of sorrow, and made the finding of Him whom
they loved apparently more hopeless. Yet they did
not cease from their weary, anxious task. In the
darkest moments they never lost hope. We are
too prone to lose hope when troubles come upon
us. This is in many cases the reason why we do
not succeed in obtaining what we desire. Joseph and Mary had exhausted every human means within their reach in order to find their darling Son. They had visited the house of every friend and acquaintance that they had in the city. They had inquired high and low, but all in vain. They had prayed unceasingly, but apparently in vain. At last they turned their steps to the Temple. There they would beg for grace and strength to bear their crushing sorrow. Thus we, too, should act. Even if it is not the will of God to relieve us of the burden that weighs us down, yet at all events, we shall be strengthened to bear it patiently and with resignation. Arrived at the Temple, they find at first no trace of Jesus. But at length they wander, as if by chance, into one of the courts, where a group of the doctors are assembled in earnest colloquy round a young Boy who is sitting in their midst. That Boy on whose lips the doctors are hanging in breathless interest, is none other than He, whom they seek. What can have been the intensity of joy that deluged their hearts! Congratulate them, and pray that your sorrow may thus be turned into joy.
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! |