41Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the Passover. 42And when he was twelve years old, they went up according to custom; 43and when the feast was ended, as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. His parents did not know it, 44but supposing him to be in the company they went a day's journey, and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintances; 45and when they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking him. 46After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions; 47and all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. 48And when they saw him they were astonished; and his mother said to him, "Son, why have you treated us so? Behold, your father and I have been looking for you anxiously." 49And he said to them, "How is it that you sought me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house?" 50And they did not understand the saying which he spoke to them. 51And he went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them; and his mother kept all these things in her heart.
His mission begins. Context: Jesus’ family had traveled to Jerusalem for the Passover festival. Instead of returning with them, Jesus stays in Jerusalem, asking questions and sharing insights in the temple. His family assumed he was with the Caravan and only returned to Jerusalem a day later. When they find Jesus in the temple, 3 days after they originally left Jerusalem, his response is “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know I must be in my Father's house?” In previous reflections, I have commented on Jesus’ willingness to place family second to God. This is a great example. Another is the way he grabs men away from their families to follow him. The message is clear - place God as your highest value even above immediate family. Interestingly, sacramental contracts like Marriage arguably redefine what placing God first looks like. If this is entirely true, one would conclude that Christ would not have called men away from their wives. But Peter was married. In Matthew 8:14-15, Jesus heals Peter's mother-in-law. This implies Peter had a wife. Nonetheless, we are told that in a a sacramental marriage, we are called to love our wives as Christ loved his church.
ReplyDeleteYour reflection on Luke 2:41-51 offers a thoughtful analysis! Here are some points to consider that can enrich your interpretation further:
DeleteNuance in "Family Second": While Jesus emphasizes his duty to God, it might not be a strict hierarchy of God over family. Perhaps it's a redirection of priorities – fulfilling his spiritual calling becomes his central focus at this point.
Jesus' Maturation: This event might represent Jesus' transition from childhood to a deeper awareness of his divine mission. It's not necessarily a rejection of family, but a step towards his destiny.
Context of Calling Disciples: When Jesus "called" disciples (sometimes away from their families), it was likely for a specific purpose – to spread his teachings and establish the early church. This calling can be seen as an extension of his own mission.
Peter's Marriage: The existence of Peter's marriage doesn't necessarily contradict Jesus' message. Perhaps Jesus called disciples understanding that some, like Peter, would navigate following him while married.
Sacramental Marriage: The concept of sacramental marriage developed later in Christian theology. In Jesus' time, marriage customs were different. However, Jesus' emphasis on love and commitment can still apply within a sacramental marriage context.
Here are some additional ideas to explore:
Balance and Integration: Can Jesus' call to follow God be integrated with fulfilling family obligations?
Different Callings: Could there be different callings within God's plan that involve both dedication to family and serving a higher purpose?
By considering these nuances, your reflection can move beyond a strict dichotomy and explore the complexities of faith, family, and fulfilling one's calling.