Daily Readings and Thought for September 10th. “AND HIS MOTHER TREASURED UP….”
What a challenging, but also wonderful, life Mary had. We read today the 2nd ch. of Luke’s gospel which details far more than the other gospel’s the early events in the life of Jesus. The danger is that our very familiarity with some of these incidents may cloud our perception and resultant meditation on their full significance.
Let us not miss the ‘minor’ but somewhat significant changes later translations have made: in particular what the shepherds heard the angels sing! “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”[v.14] Let us make sure “he is pleased” with us.
Then we have the account of Jesus, at the age of twelve staying behind in Jerusalem – and Mary and Joseph returning and spending 3 days searching for him until “they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. And when his parents 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 searching for you in great distress.” [v.46-48]
But Jesus knew that Joseph was not really his father! “And he said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” The chapter ends by telling us Jesus “went down with them and came to Nazareth and was submissive to them. And his mother treasured up all these things in her heart.” How well have we “treasured up” God’s word in our hearts?
The Scripture records 2 more events in the life of Mary that stand out! When Jesus was on the cross he “saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son!” Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!” And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home.” [John 19 v.26,27] A spiritual relationship! Are we standing near the cross – spiritually? We should! We must!
The final mention of Mary is in Acts 1. The disciples are gathered in the upper room (v.13) and “were devoting themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers.” [v.14] If there was anything more of significance to be recorded about the life of Mary the Scriptures would surely record it. Let us follow her example and “treasure up” these inspired messages in our heart.
