Jesus said to them, “Why were you looking 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. He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them; and His mother kept all these things in her heart. (Luke 2)
In the time of Jesus, when teachers were in the Temple or the synagogue, they would ask those listening some questions. And the listeners/students were supposed to respond with a question in return. For example, if a teacher asked a student, “what is 4 plus 4?” the student could answer “what is the square root of 64?” It was in the question the students asked in return that a teacher could see if the student truly had understanding. So, in Luke 2, 41-51 we find Jesus expressing that He understands. Let’s keep that in mind because whatever we are enduring today, the Lord understands. He gets it and knows it intimately. Why? Because He created us, He lives in our hearts, He cares for us.
When Mary asks Jesus, “Son, why have you done this to us?” He responds, “Why were you looking for me?” Notice that Jesus is again expressing His deep understanding. He knew that in her question, Mary was really asking Him about who He was. In His question/response back to her, we have the simple reminder that He is the Son God who doesn’t abandon us, doesn’t forsake us, and doesn’t cause us harm. He only wants our good.
When the Cross is heavy in our lives it can seem like Jesus is gone and doesn’t care, but in reality He is bringing us to the Father and bringing us new life. Wherever you find yourself today, Jesus is already there, waiting for you.
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Today is the Feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, which always follows (on the day after) the celebration of the Sacred Heart of Jesus on the liturgical calendar. The Heart of Mary and the Heart of her Son are united in their love for one another and for the world. These two feasts are intimately related celebrations of the overflowing love of God, made known in Jesus Christ and through the very human love of His Mother.
These two days remind us how God is ever-close to us, especially to the hurting and the poor, and that God acts on their (and our) behalf. From what we know of Mary from the Scriptures (see above), we see that she was someone who believed this thoroughly. To say her Heart is Immaculate does not mean, however, that Mary’s life was serene and untroubled. It does not mean that she was devoid of questions about what God was asking of her and how her Son’s special vocation was to unfold. Join her today in “pondering these things and reflecting on them” in your heart. (Luke 2,19)
Let us pray. “O God, who prepared a fitting dwelling place for the Holy Spirit in the Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary, graciously grant that, through her intercession, we may be a worthy temple of your glory. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you for ever and ever. Amen.”
