Day 28 - Little Month of St. Joseph

 

28th Meditation.

"And not finding Him, they returned into Jerusalem, seeking Him. And it came to pass, that after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, hearing them and asking them questions."
- Saint Luke ii. 45, 46.

 

Return to Jerusalem, enter the temple, have recourse to prayer, and you will find Jesus. But you must also seek and act. Joseph and Mary return to Jerusalem, but even on their way they do not relax in their search for the Divine Child.

At last they find Him. Ah! with what astonishment is Joseph overwhelmed. He has, by keeping silence, veiled the divinity of Jesus, and now, behold the Divine Child betrays Himself by the surprising wisdom of His questions and His replies.

Such circumstances as these are rare, and must serve as preceding only in obedience to inspiration or a special comman and then only if the glory of God requires it. Our habitual inclination should be to the quiet and retirement of a hidden life. As soon as Joseph and Mary appear, Jesus quits His astonished audience and rejoins His mother and His adopted father.

What tongue can tell their joy at hearing again the sweet dear voice of the Divine Child, and beholding His loving gaze! Who shall tell their consolation when they behold Him quit all to join them, thus showing that they were dearer to Him than all aught else on earth!

Let us be persistent in our search, unwearied in our entreaties, then shall we, in answer to our prayers, find Jesus in Jerusalem, in the temple, in the midst of the doctors. He withdraws but for a time, in order to teach and prove us. Watchword. To action, join prayer.

28. Saint Joseph and Prayer.

A poor religious was unable to meditate without being assailed by the most violent distractions. She had recourse to Saint Joseph, and her troubles ceased. Whenever she contemplated the perfections of the holy patriarch, she was lost in admiration, her slightest wish was granted; for instance, did she desire to rise earlier than usual, she had only to ask Saint Joseph's help, and she would awake at the desired time.