Harvesting The Fruits of Contemplation, along with many other inspiring bloggers, is delighted to be a part of the MARY of NAZARETH Blog Tour/Rosary Crawl. To learn more CLICK HERE.
When I first watched Mary of Nazareth, I was reminded of the words Father George P. Schommer, O.P. shared during a retreat some years ago:
“Praying the rosary with Mary is a memorial – making present in our own time an event in salvation history. By meditating on the mysteries of the Rosary, Mary brings that event to us, so we can experience its power and grace. Mary draws us to her Son. Use your imagination. Meditate on the mysteries. It will help you grow in your relationship with Jesus. We are with Him and with Mary in these events.”
Viewing Mary of Nazareth - the equivalent of praying the rosary with one's eyes - breathed new life into the good Friar's words and provided much to ponder.
It is my privilege today to share a video clip from this movie that corresponds to the Fifth Joyful Mystery of the Rosary, The Finding in the Temple. I will follow this with my own reflection, the observations of others who have been blessed to view this movie, and a link to tomorrow’s Blog Tour/Rosary Crawl contributor.
Fifth Joyful Mystery: The finding of Jesus in the temple
"Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the Passover. And when he was twelve years old, they went up according to custom; and when the feast was ended, as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. His parents did not know it ...
After three days 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" (Lk 2:41-47)."The finding of Jesus in the temple is the only event that breaks the silence of the Gospels about the hidden years of Jesus. Here Jesus lets us catch a glimpse of the mystery of his total consecration to a mission that flows from his divine sonship: 'Did you not know that I must be about my Father`s work?' (Lk 2:49)" (CCC, 534).
Our Father, 10 Hail Marys (contemplating the mystery), Glory be to the Father.
It is so easy to relate to the images and emotions this mystery evokes. It has the air of authenticity, being consistent with human experience. Who among us would not suffer the same anguish the Holy Family endured for five days after an unexpected and unexplained separation from their son? And certainly, like Mary and Joseph, we would rejoice upon finding and being reunited with our child.
There is much more to ponder in this mystery. Let me suggest three things.
Have you ever thought about what questions the priests and rabbis might have asked Mary and Joseph about Jesus? It is obvious from the quoted Scripture passage they were intrigued by the great maturity, wisdom and spiritual insight this twelve year old possessed – most especially given His humble origins. Might they have suggested the Holy Family leave the child in their care, mistakenly believing themselves more qualified than these simple parents to develop the obvious gifts and talents of this young boy? Some parents, blinded and flattered by such an offer, might have succumbed to such a request - but not Mary and Joseph. Jesus had been entrusted to their care. It was not yet time for Him to leave. God had chosen Mary and Joseph to be the primary models and teachers of His Son. They had not yet completed that task. We parents have the same duty. Are we fulfilling it or passing that obligation on to someone else?
As soon as Mary and Joseph realized they were no longer in Jesus’ Presence, they went searching for Him. They did not know where He was. But the Holy Family would not be satisfied until they found Him. Whenever we feel separated from Him, should we not immediately do the same and persevere until we are welcomed into His loving embrace?
Is it not awesome and humbling to recognize that we would have an easier time finding Jesus than His parents did, since we know that He resides in every tabernacle of every Catholic Church in the world? This Prisoner of Love eagerly waits our arrival and visit. What are you waiting for?
Need any more reasons to get this DVD and companion book? Here are two:
“I don’t know of another film that so beautifully and eloquently captured the person of Mary, the Mother of God, as Mary of Nazareth. The scene on Easter morning captivated my heart as Mary retold the account of the finding of Jesus in the Temple. In the midst of fear, doubt and confusion, Mary, woman of faith, reassured the beloved disciples and calmed their fears. It is Mary’s faith and trust that opens the door again to the message of Jesus as Mary Magdalene’s proclamation “He is alive” restores hope in His promise of Life for all who believe. Mary of Nazareth is a much needed message of hope in an age of uncertainty and apprehension.”
(Fr. Shenan J. Boquet | President, Human Life International)
“One’s love for Jesus and Mary should certainly be increased by this beautiful film of Mary of Nazareth which profoundly shows Our Lady’s role in the Redemption. St. Joseph, too, will win your heart. Perhaps the greatest beauty of the film lies in the fact that the members of the Holy Family are portrayed as real flesh-and-blood people. We loved this film!"
(Mother Assumpta Long, OP |Prioress General Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist)
I encourage you to continue the "Rosary Crawl" tomorrow by visiting Dr. Edward Sri, theologian, author and nationally-known Catholic speaker, at Dr. Sri's Blog. The good Doctor will share the mystery of the “Nativity”.
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