Preparation 1. Praise of the Father. 2. Hail Mary.
Text: Luke 2:41-52. .
Setting: Fr. Jean-Claude Colin, who was among the first group of Marists, described a curious way of thinking and acting. He said, 'I place myself in the home of Nazareth and from there I see all that I have to do'.
Grace: Ask God for a deeper understanding of Mary's faith, so that you might choose her as your model and guide in following Jesus.
Reflection: Listen as Mary tells you about this very trying episode: 1. The pain and fear she experienced as she and Joseph searched for Jesus for three days.
2. Her inability then to grasp what was happening: why Jesus had deserted them; what could make a 12 year old boy want to engage learned teachers in discussions; what he meant by his remark, 'Did you not know I had to be about my Father's business?'
3. Her understanding now that that was but a preview of his mission as teacher revealing the wisdom of God. It was another sign indicating to Mary that she would have to let him go; that although she was his mother, she had no real hold on him. And so now her work is over. Or is it just beginning? Perhaps there is yet more work for her. Perhaps her real work is just beginning.
Conversation: Share with Mary how difficult you find it to 'let go', to adjust to new situations, especially to deal with changes that occur in your relationships, and how frightening it is not to be able to control all the circumstances of your life.
Journal: Record your reflections, and anything you have learned or felt, in your journal or notebook. Do this for each meditation.
