Today’s Gospel, Lk 2: 41-51, tells the story of Jesus being
lost in the Temple. When Mary asked her
son why he had done this to them and that his father and she were in anguish
looking for him, his response was: Did you not know that I had to be about my
Father’s business? We have the typical teenager—Jesus 12 years of age—acting independently
of his parents and the parents distraught over his behaviour, his not telling
them that he was staying behind to talk with the rabbis. In you and me is also
this rebellious drive for independence when, at times, we are not upfront with
one another in our marriage or in religious life or even at our place of
employment. Furthermore, we can be that
way with God, hiding from Him, not being open with Him about what we are
thinking, deciding or desiring and frustrating the Lord who desires that kind
of transparency and intimacy with Him.
As I reflected further upon this Scripture, the Lord pointed
out to me the importance of being about My Father’s business and that, doing
so, at times means going against what others may expect of me, speaking my
truth calmly, putting myself in a vulnerable position as I need to explain why
I did what I did or why I am planning to do that to what I believe God is
calling me to accomplish. It is so easy to assume a laidback position and simply
not take the initiative, not assume responsibility, ignore the small inner
voice calling me to accomplish a certain task such as, for instance,
reconciling, challenging, or asking forgiveness of someone or suggesting a
change in behaviors or attitudes that are inappropriate or offensive or
non-life-giving in the family or in the community, or whatever!
How does this Scripture passage speak to you? To what
on-going conversion is God calling you?
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