The Fifth Joyful Mystery
The Finding of the Child Jesus in the Temple
By May/June 2009
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The wisdom of God
“On the third day they found him in the Temple, sitting with the Jewish teachers, listening to them and asking questions. All who heard him were amazed at his intelligent answers.” Luke 2:46-47
Reflection
Mary and Joseph are frantic. On their return trip to Nazareth, they discover that Jesus is missing. Might he have been kidnapped, taken in a caravan to some other land? Fighting the panic in their hearts, they return to Jerusalem and find their son at the temple. Once more, Mary and Joseph experience astonishment. Jesus is there, conversing with the elders about the Law and the Prophets. These scholars are amazed at his knowledge, this boy of only 12 years of age, who is able to engage them in a reflection on the holy teachings.
In the temple is the Holy of Holies: the Ark of the Covenant. The Ark, representing God’s presence, had been carried through the desert housed in a tent. The young Jesus is drawn to the temple, the centre of learning about God’s Law. He already has a sense of mission and shows his love for God’s Word. His going to the temple is, in a way, a breaking from his parents. He says to them, “Didn’t you know that I had to be in my Father’s house?” (Luke 2:49) But he humbly returns with them, sensitive to his parents’ concern.
What is my relation to learning and study? Do I take time to think about God’s Holy Word? Do I read and reflect on Scripture? Jesus later returned to the temple in anger over the exploitation by the moneychangers and lenders. What is my attitude toward the economic system? How can I help to promote justice and peace?
Mission Call
Scarboro missionaries spend a time of preparation for mission in theological studies. We are also called to permanent formation through courses and workshops. Much of our mission work involves education, particularly popular education and leadership training. We teach God’s Word in parish study groups. We also accompany popular movements where people seek to understand the causes of extreme poverty and suffering in our world, and how we can eradicate them.
As we pray this decade of the rosary, let us ask for a deeper understanding of Scripture and the Church’s teaching. Let us pray for theologians as they seek to interpret God’s Word. Let us remember the many leaders in grassroots communities throughout the world who are engaged in teaching their people about God’s action in our lives.
Amazon Word
Paulo, a priest from Costa Rica, and I spend a week in a Wapichana village studying the language. Two lay leaders, called catechists, help us: Kuaraz, a family man in his 30s with just two years of schooling; and Wyradiaba, a 14-year-old girl who has completed eight years of study. Every day we sit in the shade of a huge mango tree reading the Gospel in Wapichana very slowly. Paulo and I note new words. Kuaraz and Wyradiaba are patient with us and we all laugh at our mistakes. What I remember most is our shared love for God’s Word and our desire to communicate it to the people.
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