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Word To Life
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Sunday Scripture Readings: Dec. 31, 2006
By Beverly Corzine
Catholic News Service
December 31, Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph
Cycle C Readings:
1) Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14
Psalm 128:1-5
2) Colossians 3:12-21
3) Gospel: Luke 2:41-52
Last week I knew it was truly Christmas when I heard Luke's beloved description of the nativity of Jesus. "What child is this?" seems to be the continuing question on the lips of each man or woman who meets Jesus and his parents in the second chapter of Luke's Gospel.
What child is this indeed! Looking back through the cross gives us 20/20 vision. Likewise, in our mind's eye we have seen a tiny hand close around Mary's finger. From our vantage point in the 21st century, how could anyone miss the point?
As his life unfolds, we sympathize with Mary and Joseph as they frantically search for their son Jesus. We know he has to be in "his Father's house." Where else would a precocious Jewish boy be who happens to be the Son of God? We see his destiny looming before him and the instrumental part Mary and Joseph will play in helping this life take shape. It was easy for us to recognize him there in his mother's arms, but the question is, Do we recognize him now?
When we as parents, grandparents or teachers look into the faces of children, whose destiny do we see written there? Is Jesus there waiting to flower within the world? Do we take the time to wonder what child has been placed in our care? Who is it that regards us through uplifted eyes?
If we had been teaching in the temple that day, would we have had the good sense to have seen Jesus as more than a gifted 12-year-old? Smart but never cheeky, he could have answered our questions, but would we have allowed him to push us on a controversial or questionable point? Would we have considered seriously his possible destiny or any part we might have played in it?
To be able to look into the eyes of children and consider the question of shepherd and temple scholar alike becomes an act of courage and an act of faith because we must be prepared to see who is looking back at us.
QUESTIONS:
What child or young person in your life offers you a promise of Jesus' light in the world in the new generation? What crosses do you foresee in her or his life, and how can you support this child as a Christ bearer?
SCRIPTURE TO BE ILLUSTRATED:
"His mother kept all these things in her heart. And Jesus advanced in wisdom and age and favor before God and man" (Luke 2:51-52).
END
Copyright © 2006 Catholic News Service/U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. The CNS Word To Life column may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed, including but not limited to such means as framing or any other digital copying or distribution method, in whole or in part without the prior written authority of Catholic News Service.
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