When the days were completed for their purification according to the law of Moses, they took him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord.
When they had fulfilled all the prescriptions of the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.
REFLECTION
"they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth."
I grew up in a small town, two bedroom home, no air conditioning with one hallway heater for the house. A very happy homelife, never realizing that we were poor because we never lacked for anything. We had a very simple, very humble life filled with love. Jesus lived such a life and we are to imitate Him as He reveals Himself to us. I learned about other families as I spent time with them, how they behaved and acted. And in my heart, I kept what was good for me and put aside what I knew would get me nowhere. It was this putting aside that took a lot longer to do and therefore not allowing the good for me to grow until I had some sense.
Our formative years are so important. For thirty years, Jesus lived with Joseph and Mary, teaching us the spiritual rule of life. I wonder how I would behave if He had been my next door neighbor, if I helped Mary in her chores, if I went to school with Him. Would I learn not to be prideful, envious, greedy, angry, lustful, gluttonous or lazy? Would I have a disciplined prayer life? Would I be generous and caring? Obedient?
The brief irreplaceable lessons of Nazareth are always with us. The child, the boy, the adolescent and the young man are there for us to emulate-- Family, prayer, work, and love.
As we approach 2024, resolutions are made as we take advantage of a new beginning. Now is the time to gather up treasures for heaven. In silence, slip into the home of Jesus, Mary and Joseph and just ponder, watch and observe how one is to live.
May the Holy Family be a model and inspiration for all of us.
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