January 20

Click Here for Prayer Before and Here for Prayer after Meditation

MEDITATION FOR JANUARY 20TH

THE FINDING OF THE CHILD JESUS IN THE TEMPLE

“And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the Temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, hearing them, and asking them questions. And all that heard him were astonished at his wisdom and his answers” (Luke 2, 46-47).

First Prelude: Imagine yourself in the porch of the Temple, where Jesus sits in the midst of the doctors.

Second Prelude: Teach me, O Jesus, to taste Thy Divine presence in my inmost soul, and make me submissive to all whom Thou hast commanded me to hear.

FIRST POINT

MARY AND JOSEPH FIND JESUS IN THE TEMPLE

Having sought their beloved Child in vain among relatives and acquaintances, Mary and Joseph returned to Jerusalem where they found Him in the Temple. Would we find Jesus, let us seek Him not in the tumult and turmoil of the world, not in idle conversations and distractions, not in the company of the worldly minded, or among lukewarm religious, but rather in the house of God, in prayer, in the place of devotion where holy obedience and duty calls us. Let us seek Him in the Sacrament of His Love, where He constantly dwells with us, and invites us lovingly, saying: “Come to me, all you that labor, and are burdened, and I will refresh you” (Matt. II, 28). How happy are religious who dwell under one roof with Jesus, but a few steps from the Beloved of their soul, and find consolation, light, peace, strength and courage with Him.

The saints sought and found Jesus in another temple, where they were always most intimately united with Him. This is the temple of the heart, of which St. Paul says: “Know you not, that you are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you” (I Cor. 3, 16). Here in the secret sanctuary of our heart, He wills to dwell, to be loved and adored. He Himself tells us: “I will dwell in them, and walk among them; and I will be their God” (II Cor. 6, 16). This was the quiet cell which St. Catherine of Siena made in her heart. There she enjoyed uninterrupted union with God, conversing with Him lovingly. St. Teresa, likewise, sought and found the Lord in the temple of her heart, and she encourages us to follow her example, when she says: “I believe that all who have in such manner concealed themselves in the miniature heaven of their souls, where their Creator dwells, have chosen an excellent way and will find themselves in a very short time far advanced in perfection.”

How deplorable is it not, to find even among religious so many who ignore this wholesome practice! They neglect to curb their senses and inclinations, and then complain of dryness in prayer, and of the increasing number of their faults.

SECOND POINT

JESUS AMONG THE DOCTORS OF THE LAW

It was customary in Jerusalem for the doctors of the law to assemble in the portico of the Temple on certain days, and from elevated seats to address the assembled populace. Jesus was among the crowds. What joy for Mary and Joseph to see their beloved Son, Whose loss had grieved them most keenly! How they marveled to hear Him put questions to the doctors, and answer those asked of Him, expound the Scriptures, and advance His arguments so modestly and, withal, so concisely that the whole assembly was enrapt! What wonderful example our Divine Saviour sets us here! He who possesses the plenitude of heavenly Wisdom, plays the rôle of pupil. He addresses the scribes with that deference and respect due them by virtue of their rank and age, and if He is asked a question, He answers with great deliberation and humility.

Let us learn from our Divine Lord in this instance, how to act toward our God-given teachers. Do we listen to the word of God in sermons and instructions, always with a docile, eager, heart? Is our attitude toward those who teach us, one of reverence and respect? In our intercourse with others do we try to act humbly, patiently, and with moderation, and thus guard against indiscreet zeal, and forwardness? We read in the gospel that all who heard the Divine Child marveled at His Wisdom, and His replies—still we read nothing as to the effects of this appearance of Jesus on the scribes. It was surely in the designs of Jesus to provoke reflection in the doctors, and to urge them on to further investigations in the Sacred Scriptures, and thus to convince them that the Messiah had appeared. How often, alas, are even the holiest impressions soon effaced in the turmoil of daily life! We remain inactive and simply marvel at opportunities without utilizing them to our spiritual advantage. Virtue has a certain fascination for us, but we lack the necessary courage and determination to practice it.

Affections: Thou dost merit, my beloved Jesus, that I seek Thee with all my heart, and with the most ardent desire. I will seek Thee in the sanctuary of the Temple, in the Sacrament of Love, where Thou awaitest me to pour out upon me the plenitude of blessing and grace. I will seek Thee incessantly in the depths of my soul, sanctified by grace, which Thou hast chosen for Thy dwelling. Let me commune with Thee, my Jesus, in holy recollection, submit to Thy inspirations, co-operate with Thy grace, and not marvel fruitlessly at Thy Wisdom. Give me the simplicity and the docility of a humble disciple toward those whom Thou hast charged with the direction of my soul. I will accept their teachings with reverence and submission, and thereby advance in the virtues of my state of life.

Resolution: I will frequently adore my Jesus in the innermost recesses of my soul.

Spiritual Bouquet: “Speak Lord, Thy servant heareth.”

Prayer: Jesus, my Lord, my King . . .