The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom a light has shone. You have brought them abundant joy and great rejoicing, as they rejoice before you as at the harvest, as people make merry when dividing spoils. For the yoke that burdened them, the pole on their shoulder, and the rod of their taskmaster you have smashed, as on the day of Midian. For every boot that tramped in battle, every cloak rolled in blood, will be burned as fuel for flames. For a child is born to us, a son is given us; upon his shoulder dominion rests. They name him Wonder-Counselor, God- Hero, Father-Forever, Prince of Peace. His dominion is vast and forever peaceful. He will rule as David’s successor, basing his power on right and justice, from now until the end of time. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this!
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavens, as he chose us in him, before the foundation of the world, to be holy and with- out blemish before him. In love he destined us for adoption to
himself through Jesus Christ, in accord with the favor of his will, for the praise of the glory of his grace that he granted us in the beloved. Therefore, I, too, hearing of your faith in the Lord Jesus and of your love for all the holy ones, do not cease giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. May the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, give you a Spirit of wisdom and revelation resulting in knowledge of him. May the eyes of your hearts be enlightened, that you may know what is the hope that belongs to his call, what are the riches of glory in his inheritance among the holy ones.
Every year the parents of Jesus used to go to Jerusalem for the feast of the Passover. When he was twelve years old, they went up for the feast as usual. When they were on their way home after the feast, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem without his parents knowing it. They assumed he was with the caravan, and it was only after a day’s journey that they went to look for him among their relations and acquaintances. When they failed to find him they went back to Jerusalem looking for him everywhere.
Three days later, they found him in the Temple, sitting among the doctors, listening to them, and asking them questions; and all those who heard him were astounded at his intelligence and his replies. They were overcome when they saw him, and his mother said to him, ‘My child, why have, you done this to us? See how worried your father and I have been, looking for you.’ ‘Why were you looking for me?’ he replied ‘Did you not know that I must be busy with my Father’s affairs?’ But they did not understand what he meant.
He then went down with them and came to Nazareth and lived under their authority. His mother stored up all these things in her heart. And Jesus increased in wisdom, in stature, and in favour with God and men.
Father, thank You for the gift of understanding and obedience. Give us the grace to discern Your will for us and grant us the courage to submit to it. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Three days later, they found him in the Temple, sitting among the doctors, listening to them, and asking them questions; and all those who heard him were astounded at his intelligence and his replies. They were overcome when they saw him, and his mother said to him, ‘My child, why have, you done this to us? See how worried your father and I have been, looking for you.’ ‘Why were you looking for me?’ he replied ‘Did you not know that I must be busy with my Father’s affairs?’ But they did not understand what he meant.
He then went down with them and came to Nazareth and lived under their authority. His mother stored up all these things in her heart. And Jesus increased in wisdom, in stature, and in favour with God and men.
Reflection
By Anabelle Payod-Balla
Jesus was already at His Father's house and yet He still went with Joseph and Mary to live with them. He is the Son of God and yet He submitted Himself and was obedient to them. Why?
When I was a child, there were many times when I disobeyed my parents. I thought I know better and I did what makes me happy though I have an idea what might be the possible consequences. And yes, I suffered some of those consequences.
Now that I am a parent, I have been exploring different ways to get my children to obey me. It is not an easy job at all despite the good intentions. Especially if you are asking them to do something that will prevent them from doing what they like. Sometimes it is easier to just let them do what they want and let them suffer the consequences so they learn. But only for those circumstances where the lessons are greater than the risks.
What I find helpful in getting my kids to obey me is when I clearly state my intentions, discuss what's in it for them and what happens if they don't do the things they need to do. And then allow them to make the choice. It seems that giving them the knowledge and allowing them to understand the situations can help in having their agreement and their obedience.
Jesus, our Santo Niño, is a role model of humble obedience just like His parents, Joseph and Mary. He knows why they look after Him and understands what He needs to do. He obeyed and submitted to the Father's will including the kind of death that He needs to suffer, for the salvation of all.
Viva Santo Niño!!!
Prayer
When I was a child, there were many times when I disobeyed my parents. I thought I know better and I did what makes me happy though I have an idea what might be the possible consequences. And yes, I suffered some of those consequences.
Now that I am a parent, I have been exploring different ways to get my children to obey me. It is not an easy job at all despite the good intentions. Especially if you are asking them to do something that will prevent them from doing what they like. Sometimes it is easier to just let them do what they want and let them suffer the consequences so they learn. But only for those circumstances where the lessons are greater than the risks.
What I find helpful in getting my kids to obey me is when I clearly state my intentions, discuss what's in it for them and what happens if they don't do the things they need to do. And then allow them to make the choice. It seems that giving them the knowledge and allowing them to understand the situations can help in having their agreement and their obedience.
Jesus, our Santo Niño, is a role model of humble obedience just like His parents, Joseph and Mary. He knows why they look after Him and understands what He needs to do. He obeyed and submitted to the Father's will including the kind of death that He needs to suffer, for the salvation of all.
Viva Santo Niño!!!
Prayer
Father, thank You for the gift of understanding and obedience. Give us the grace to discern Your will for us and grant us the courage to submit to it. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
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