Picture the Bible Reflection for May 14, 2021
This week we’re looking at the story of Jesus in the Temple. Found in Luke 2:41-52, you can read it here: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%202%3A41-52&version=NIV
Scholars say that in Biblical times, a Jewish boy, at the age of 12, is considered a man. This is when father’s teach the young men about spiritual and social responsibilities as an adult. He would likely learn the trade of his father and would be learning about the temple and the Passover in more depth.
I wonder if, because he is now 12 and considered an adult, that he was able to “own” more of his divine self. When he said to his parents, “Didn’t you know that I had to be in My Father’s House?” and is understood to have no remorse for making his parents anxious… if that was an important milestone for him. And I wonder if it was also a milestone for Mary. She knew he was to be something big, but when would she have told him? Or did she expect him to tell her?
I think of my own children and the path I thought they may have chosen in life – be it career, education or relationship related. I think of what would have happened if I chose their path for them by strongly encouraging them to take on a specific career, attend post-secondary for a specific degree, or hang around just certain people. Personally, I think I would have put them on a path of my will, not God’s will. By giving them choices and chances, they get to discover their own purpose in life. They get to make mistakes and challenge themselves to see who and what they can be. Do people come into our lives by coincidence? Do we endure sufferings for a reason? Does God put all things God wants us to do in our path? And maybe it gets us thinking about if God has pre-determined the path for us or if we truly have free will. I wonder what your thoughts are about this are and if they’ve changed (or continue to change) over time.
Here’s a song for us today: I’m Gonna Live So God Can Use Me
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_t5u3lcK1AI
Our prayer:
Holy One, as we wrestle with how you interact with us within our lives, help us to remember that you are good, you are great, you are love. Help us to be mindful that you created all things and said that it was good. So when we see something or experience something that’s not so good in our lives, help us to come to you with questions and any struggles we may have. We give you thanks that you accept our anger and our humanity within living a divine beings in this very human world. Help us to find purpose in everything we encounter, and to discern what your nudgings and callings through our days means for us. Help us to be the best we can be today and all the rest of our days. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
This week we’re looking at the story of Jesus in the Temple. Found in Luke 2:41-52, you can read it here: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%202%3A41-52&version=NIV
Scholars say that in Biblical times, a Jewish boy, at the age of 12, is considered a man. This is when father’s teach the young men about spiritual and social responsibilities as an adult. He would likely learn the trade of his father and would be learning about the temple and the Passover in more depth.
I wonder if, because he is now 12 and considered an adult, that he was able to “own” more of his divine self. When he said to his parents, “Didn’t you know that I had to be in My Father’s House?” and is understood to have no remorse for making his parents anxious… if that was an important milestone for him. And I wonder if it was also a milestone for Mary. She knew he was to be something big, but when would she have told him? Or did she expect him to tell her?
I think of my own children and the path I thought they may have chosen in life – be it career, education or relationship related. I think of what would have happened if I chose their path for them by strongly encouraging them to take on a specific career, attend post-secondary for a specific degree, or hang around just certain people. Personally, I think I would have put them on a path of my will, not God’s will. By giving them choices and chances, they get to discover their own purpose in life. They get to make mistakes and challenge themselves to see who and what they can be. Do people come into our lives by coincidence? Do we endure sufferings for a reason? Does God put all things God wants us to do in our path? And maybe it gets us thinking about if God has pre-determined the path for us or if we truly have free will. I wonder what your thoughts are about this are and if they’ve changed (or continue to change) over time.
Here’s a song for us today: I’m Gonna Live So God Can Use Me
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_t5u3lcK1AI
Our prayer:
Holy One, as we wrestle with how you interact with us within our lives, help us to remember that you are good, you are great, you are love. Help us to be mindful that you created all things and said that it was good. So when we see something or experience something that’s not so good in our lives, help us to come to you with questions and any struggles we may have. We give you thanks that you accept our anger and our humanity within living a divine beings in this very human world. Help us to find purpose in everything we encounter, and to discern what your nudgings and callings through our days means for us. Help us to be the best we can be today and all the rest of our days. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
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