Returning from a Passover trip to Jerusalem,
the parents of Jesus were on their way back to Nazareth, they
journeyed in large corteges of family and people known to them,
when they became aware that they had not seen their Son for a
long while, and that they had in fact lost track of Him.
Any parent can identify with the fear and panic that would seize
them in this scenario.
Mary and Joseph retraced their steps back to Jerusalem, they
searched everywhere, and after three days they found Him; in
the Temple, in a conference with the elders.
Jesus was 12 at this stage.
The relief at finding their Son brought out the reproach by
His Mother:
" How could you do this to us, we were overcome with worry"
And Jesus's matter of fact answer, so straightforward and innocent:
"Why so? Where else would I be other than in my Father's house?"
Praying on this sometimes brings a smile to my face, because having
had 2 sons myself, I can almost hear His young boy's voice;
"What were you worrying about, I am in My Father's house,
where else would I be?"
We are the Temple of God by His Holy Spirit.
We are related to Jesus as sisters and brothers.
But we lose this connection when we live in fear,
constant anxiety is an obstacle to God, as are our sins.
Breaking any of the 10 Commandments and all the mortal sins
(Pride, Lust, Gluttony, Greed, Sloth, Anger, Envy (Jealousy)
are obstacles to God.
And those periods that we all encounter at some time or other
in our lives, when we do not feel the presence of God, we feel
lost and afraid, He is there nevertheless, He is always present,
He cannot not be.
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