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February 13th: The Visit to Jerusalem
Every grown-up man among the Jews was
bound once each year to go up to Jerusalem, in
order to pay a visit to the Temple. This was in
order to keep fresh and bright the love for the
place where God in an especial manner dwelt, and
to preserve the faith of those who lived far away.
We are not bound to visit Rome, as the Jews were
to visit Jerusalem. But nevertheless we should
esteem it a high privilege to visit the tombs of the
Apostles, and the home of the Vicar of Jesus Christ. Women were under no obligation to pay this yearly visit; but Mary accompanied her husband year by year. It was a joy to her to which she looked forward with joyous expectation to each returning Pasch, crying out in her heart. My soul longeth for the courts of the Lord, for the courts of the house of my God! How sweet were the memories that the Temple recalled to her. She thought of the happy years of her infancy and childhood, spent within those sacred portals; she thought of her espousal with her dear husband; she thought of the day when with a joyful heart she presented her Divine Son in the Temple. Congratulate Mary on these happy reminiscences. When Jesus was twelve years old. He went with His parents on their annual visit. He, the Lord of the Temple, went up to worship there as if He had need of pardon for the past, or aid from God to preserve His youthful steps in the right way. If He thus went up to pray, how all- important prayer must be for a poor sinner like me.
Music: The Shepherds' Farewell
from L' Enfance du Christ Op. 25 by Hector Berlioz
1. Thou must leave Thy lowly dwelling,
The humble crib, the stable bare. Babe, all mortal babes excelling, Content our earthly lot to share. Loving father, Loving mother, Shelter Thee with tender care! 2. Blessed Jesus, we implore Thee With humble love and holy fear. In the land that lies before Thee, Forget not us who linger here! May the shepherd's lowly calling, Ever to Thy heart be dear! 3. Blest are ye beyond all measure, Thou happy father, mother mild! Guard ye well your heav'nly treasure, The Prince of Peace, The Holy Child! God go with you, God protect you, Guide you safely through the wild! |