Gospel for December 29 2024 – Luke 2:41-52
Gospel Reflections for December 29 2024
I told you where I can be found…
I hope you had a wonderful Christmas this year. Our Christmas Eve masses were packed with people at four overflowing Masses and our three Christmas Day Masses were full as well. I am glad so many came to Church this week.
Christmas remembers the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem 2024 years ago, but you might wonder where can He be found today, and throughout the year?
Looking for Jesus is the theme of today’s Gospel.
At the age of twelve, which was the age of adulthood at that time, Joseph and Mary take Jesus to the Temple in Jerusalem to celebrate his new adult life but lose track of Him on the return to Nazareth. They look for Him everywhere, finally finding Him in the Temple among the Teachers and asking them questions …and answering their questions.
Joseph and Mary ask Jesus, “Did you not know we were looking for you?”
Jesus responds with at first a puzzling question. “Why were you looking for me? He certainly does not doubt their concern but only that it should have been very easy to find Him. No need for desperate looking. After all, He must always be in His Father’s House!
What was Jesus doing in the Temple? Questions and answers! It is in sincere questioning that God is found …and more deeply understood.
I am the son of a scientist, so I grew up always asking questions …about everything. I was fortunate that people around me encouraged it. That questioning helped deepen my faith …and here I am now a priest for 46 years!
Mary also knew the power of questions since the very first time she speaks in the bible occurs when she asks a question to Angel Gabriel when she is told she will be the mother of Our Lord. The Angel’s response to her question enables Mary’s free assent.
A family is the place where both children and parents learn about life, love, and commitment. They learn how to listen to each other’s thoughts, respectfully express themselves, have respectful disagreements, and seek even more knowledge. Always encourage questions and help each other seek answers from reliable sources.
Our University Series coming this Lent also offers you that same opportunity to hear about God from wise teachers …and then ask your questions.
God Bless!
Father Dave
Dear Father Dave,
Growing up with a scientist father had to have been fascinating, especially when you were little and probably asked all those questions children do: why is the sky blue, why do the stars only shine at night, and where does rain come from? The list is practically endless.
When I was about two and a half, I thought rain came from all the angels in heaven when they tinkled. My mother gently explained the source of rain differently!
I’m a senior now and my questions seem to have more answers than ever before. Faith has done that.
There are some people who look for answers in all the wrong places. Prayers for them.
Congratulations on forty-six years as God’s priest.
May He continue to bless you as you do His Work.
Happy New Year!
Kathleen
I am glad I never heard the Angels and rain story! (LOL) Yes, knowing the right place to seek answers is the most important event of all.
Today’s Mass have various Readings. First Readings were either from Sirac or Samuel, Chapter 2. The Second Readings were either from Colossians or John, Chapter 1.
Is there a difference between Masses celebrated under a Feast of, or Masses celebrated under Ordinary Time?
D.
Yes, you ask a great question. Unfortunately, I have to honestly admit that the answer is quite complicated. The Church often presents various reading options. The local Pastor can choose for his own parish. All Masses have various levels of solemnity. The highest, like Christmas and Easter have set readings. Every Church has a book called the “ORDO” which is the official rule book for how a particular day’s Mass is to be celebrated. Sunday Masses always take precedent over any calendared saint day. Each Diocese can also add or subtract saints based on local history, for example, the LA Archdiocese especially honors Padre Junipero Serra, while European Diocese would have their own special saints. No matter what saint is honored, nothing takes away from the central Mass event of the Consecration, and our reception in communion, for the purpose of changing the world1
The Temple in Jesus days was a great adventure as is going to Mass every week for Me. The Hour of Power and Prayer focusing on our Creator and fellow neighbor in so many different ways still affects me in my daily life . Even when traveling or when serving my Country I managed to attend Mass wherever I happened to be.
The people met and sermons heard would inspire me to live by the dictates of my Faith.
Must have been interesting to hear Jesus discussing topics with the people in the Temple He attended.. I enjoy seeing and being with the people at Mass.
All segments of the population are there worshiping the Maker of us all. It’s GREAT,
Beautifully said!