Listen

Everyone who heard him was amazed by his understanding and his answers. When his parents saw him, they were shocked.

His mother said, “Child, why have you treated us like this? Listen! Your father and I have been worried. We’ve been looking for you!”

Jesus replied, “Why were you looking for me? Didn’t you know that it was necessary for me to be in my Father’s house?” But they didn’t understand what he said to them.

Luke 2:47-50

Think

Imagine Jesus’ parents finding him in the temple with the great teachers of the day. Not only was he listening, but he actually understood and even added to what they were saying. How many 12-year-olds do you think could keep up with a graduate-level scholar? But Jesus could. All the people, including his own parents, were astonished.

Mary was understandably upset. She had been looking for Jesus for days. But Jesus was showing the first indication that he understood his place in the world. It would not be in the confines of family life that Jesus would live out his purpose, but “in [his] Father’s house,” pursuing God’s will, wherever it took him.

We say we are glad that Jesus lives among us, but sometimes we want him to stay in the places we choose for him. We try to assign Jesus our opinions, our values, and our politics. But Jesus bears the will of God, not ours. How might we look for what Jesus is really doing, instead of what we think he should do?

Ellen Di Giosia

Pray

O God, too often I expect you to agree with me instead of seeking your will. When I try to tame you, remind me that your ways are best.

Help me to listen for your guidance, even when what it asks is unfamiliar.

Amen.

Go

Jesus has come, and he is here, living among us. Life will never be the same.

So take a deep breath and turn your eyes to the world. Find him there.