Scripture Reading
Luke 2:41-52
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 were unaware of this. 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? Your father and I have been anxiously looking for you.” 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, and his mother treasured all these things in her heart. And Jesus increased in wisdom and in years and in divine and human favor.
Ash Wednesday Introductory Comments
This year, you are invited to meet Jesus, again. The intention is to ‘Know’ Jesus and not to simply ‘Know About’ Jesus.
Over the next 40 days become Jesus’ companion. Walk with him. Pray with him. Talk with him. Observe him. Listen to him. Study with him. Question him. Love him. Through his example, let him inspire you to consciously live in a deeper relationship with the God of your being.
Major Points for Your Consideration:
- At the age of 12 Jesus accepted the invitation to actively begin his spiritual journey.
- Who is Jesus to you? What does Jesus inspire within you?
Assignment:
Re-read today’s scripture. Spend time with the pre-teenage Jesus who believed it more important to stay behind in the Jerusalem temple than to travel back to Nazareth with his parents. What does he have to teach you? What did you learn from him?