And Jesus advanced in wisdom and age and favor before God and man. Luke 2:52
When I was very young, I thought Jesus knew everything there was to know about life, even as a newborn baby lying in the stable at Bethlehem. But later, I learned that although he was divine, he was fully human too. He learned from Mary and Joseph. He experienced growth and the joy of Mary and Joseph’s love, but he also experienced disappointments and even temptations. He knew the joy and the sadness of human life as we all do. As St. Paul put it, he was like us in all things but sin. This means that Jesus understands our joys and sorrows, our successes and anxieties.
It means that he walks with us through all parts of our lives. God was always close to all of humanity, but how much clearer this becomes to us through the incarnate presence of Jesus in our midst. That tells us God’s life and our lives are always intimately entwined in a bond that is everlasting.
Lord, increase my faith in your loving guidance.
Fr. Kenneth Grabner, C.S.C.
Originally published December 30, 2018
