30 Dec 2020
Jesus Grows
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For 30 December 2020, Sixth day within the octave of Christmas, based on Luke 2:36-40
There was also a prophet, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, having lived with her husband for seven years after her marriage, then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshipped there with fasting and prayer night and day. At that moment she came, and began to praise God and to speak about the child to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.
When they had finished everything required by 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 favour of God was upon him.
Scripture passage from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Catholic Edition, copyright 1989, 1993, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
31 December 2020 @ 2:00 am
Thank you, Deborah, for this reflection. I appreciate your point that by keeping Jesus as an infant, we might also be keeping ourselves from growing in mature discipleship. Jesus’s growth in wisdom and strength also summons us to grow in bringing good news to the poor, proclaiming liberty to captives, binding up hearts that are broken and so on. Thank you. God bless your family. Happy Christmas. Happy New Year.
31 December 2020 @ 2:05 am
Deb, once again you have spoken to my heart. Thanks for the insights and the challenge. Hope all is well and that the new year brings unimaginable blessings for you. Love 💕 you!!
31 December 2020 @ 3:13 am
So true…it is tempting to leave him as babe in his mother’s arms. Not for his safety but ours (mine). Thank you.
31 December 2020 @ 5:56 am
Carla, thanks so much–the call to maturity can feel so daunting to me, but it’s God’s call nevertheless. God bless you and yours as well.
Peace,
Deborah
31 December 2020 @ 6:02 am
Thanks so much, Honora! We were FaceTiming with the adult “kids” over the holidays and really, only yesterday they were literal kids (gasp). Christmas blessings to you from rainy Fall Creek!
Love,
Deb
31 December 2020 @ 6:04 am
Hi, Sr. Elyse, and thanks. Whenever I think I’m “protecting” any of God’s gifts, it usually turns out that I’m just protecting myself.
Peace,
Deborah
31 December 2020 @ 7:41 am
Thank you Deborah for this very timely commentary. Father Jim at our parish just did a talk about Jesus’ life growing up of which not much is known. I liked your comments about things in growing up that are heart wrenching and heart filling. We see that in our children and we see that in us. Now we ponder about that with Jesus and also ponder how He needs to grow in us. I have wondered about all the things Mary kept in her heart.
31 December 2020 @ 10:28 am
Hi, Elaine! As much as I’d love to keep my children always safe and happy, I have to say that it’s also rewarding to see them working through the issues of their own lives (even if those issues are heartbreaking) and becoming more fully who they are–and that seems like a good model for the faith journey, although I often find myself resisting.
Love,
Deborah
31 December 2020 @ 10:42 am
Out of the ballpark. Really enjoy Deb’s preaching (and cooking)! OK, I’m a little biased but she is a great homilist.