Journal: June 1, 2021

On a more serious note….

Fifth Joyful Mystery:
The finding of Jesus in the temple
“Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the Passover. And when he was twelve years old, they went up according to custom; and when the feast was ended, as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. His parents did not know it… After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions; and all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers” (Lk 2:41-47).

I was just outside the entrance to the chamber where He was speaking. Out of shame, I could not enter, so I could not hear what He was saying to the teachers. I knelt on the step closest to the entrance with my face to the ground. I could go no further even though I wanted to be seen by Him. I was simply near and that was all I could do.

I knew she was near. She always is. It was the third day and they had finally found him. Once she knew, she did not rush in. It all made sense to her. As she climbed the steps and as she passed me, I did not look up, but she ran her fingers through my hair. She let me know of her presence, though I knew of it already (I should look for Joseph as well, but I think he would point me to her and she would lead me to Him).

When I felt her touch, I tried to bury my face even further into the pavement of the steps. Such shame… how can the innocence of the Queen of Heaven touch something so… unclean, but she did not hesitate, yet like us all, she came for her Son who she thought was lost. She was anxious to be near Him as we all are.

I still could not hear the conversation. Her words or His. She and Joseph came out. He followed, but did not immediately go down to them. He stopped and sat on the step next to me. I could not look up. He placed His hand on my head and gripped… gently.. my hair. He loved me in spite of…. A child, yet He knew all. He did not forsake me.

I will never know how to serve such Love as this.

O my Jesus, forgive us our sins. Save us from the fires of hell. Lead all souls to Heaven, especially those in most need of thy mercy….. ME!