The Son

     A carpenter's son from an unimportant town, Nazareth, began drawing crowds. He spoke to them like no one else.  

     This wasn't an adult's career decision. Jesus, at age 12, with his family and others, attended the Feast of the Passover in Jerusalem. A day into their journey home, Joseph and Mary realized their son wasn't walking with other relatives, as they had thought. 

     They doubled back, and found him in the temple courts. Teachers were amazed at his questions and understanding. Little did they know.  

     His frantic mother just wanted to know, "Son, why have you treated us like this?" 

     He had a "why" of his own: "Why were you searching for me? Didn't you know I had to be in my Father's house?"  

     The day of Jesus' baptism (age 30), a voice from heaven spoke, This is my Son, whom I love... One assumes everyone who heard the voice understood. We doubt it. But John (the baptizer) knew who Jesus is.    

     Jesus (just a teacher?) taught: Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. 

     When you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing. Then your Father who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. 

     He taught them to pray, Our Father, in heaven... When you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you. 

     For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. When you fast ... wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting ... and your Father who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

Tomorrow: People seem divided