The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1912-05-12


/ : -
Though lie went homo and was Sub
jcct unto her"-her-- life was. all
changed, and she kept all these say
ings In her heart"
This question of the mother of
Jesus revealed an experience of the
human heart which is very common in
those who feel their responsibility tho
most. 1t is an experience worthy of
study and analysis. The Virgin Mary
is the perpetual type OF people who,
Entrusted with any great and sacred
interest. identify their own lives with
Ut and caro- for 1t conscientiously, but
to manifest its own vitality, they be-
come perpleXed. Even as Jesus moth.
CIR asked this question, so are we
always asking of the objects for which
VALVE why has thou thuA dealt with
usT Often we realize our RESPONSE
oiiities more than we realize God. Just
as Mary at that moment of her ques-
ton felt. so 1t is often among the
most earnest and conscientious people:
feeling comes that tho causes for
which we labor most arc more ours
than Gods. and so for the moment we
are perplexed even as Mary was.
Therefore this story of Jesus and His
mother can be n most helpful lesson
TO us. The simplest case of this eS-
perience comes in every childhood.
When a child passes beyond the period
Oh mere parental government which
belonged to the first years, the in
diVidual character and purpose of each
ne asserts Itself. The child has had
MS career all identified with the home
where he was Graded: he Is mar,
or tho household or family, and then
comes n day when he attempts soma
task distinctively his own. Tho mo.
meht is puzzling one for both parent
ana chilo. The child feels a pleasure
very Keen. and Yet almost resretful
to find himself for the first time doing
some act genuinely his own. Tho
parents feel paug, and yet pride and
pleasure IS we'll. as they realize their
child's growth. Tho real understand
ing Oh mat moment both to child and
parent depends on one thing-upon
whether they can see It in the larger
truth that this child is not merely
their child, but also the child OF God.
If this is understood, then the child.
IN undertaking his personal responsi
oiiity, passes not into loosen. bu.
INTO n stronger bond. The nnrcnt &c
satisfied because he cannot DO ica,o,s
vi Goa. 1t Is a noble progress and
expansion OF life when tho china 8,
ms iirst independent venture says. not
as the prodigal. Give. me tho portio,
Oh goods that falleth to me" bur ovop
rs Jesus makes that revercnt ,n,ao,
visit We not that I must be about Nv.
fhther's business?" Then In tboso
words comes the parents reu.a,d
TIC Knowledge that all SACRIFICES
na"e and all teachings have
TOT been in vain. for The cbud
realizes he is Gods child ,rh.,
wen as Mary went back with b..
''h' rehlizing out of HIS own mouth |
mat lie was not only her Son hr,
'od SON. the question came 10 bor
as 1t comes to all mothers to.d,r.
what does God want Tn. co.,
his to be?" And herein iie- ,h,
III ana beautiful mystery of motb
crhood and fatherhood. This san.,
rust from God TO parents forms ,ho.a
'iVes intrusted TO their caro-
ne would nave them No A. -
NV tender or moro far-reach,np tina
'""' OF the mother who gave ne b,rth
ana accepted the sacred cbargo 80.
'od or an immortal l!fc-tbe char
''at means so much LOVING soor,a
mo such infinite care that it can op,,.
pe repaid when the mother knows th,,
"eF enid through her TEACHINGS 49,,
I've Tor him has realized that he g.
Gods child. nc Is
inc Son of Mary was = ro,.o,.,,
g '"e i"o'her in whose care He lived
80 mans soul, his spiritual ,a,ns
""'ch Is intrustod to his caro-
perpetual revelation to him =,
can only bear constantly IN nina 49,,
our Soul is Gods child and ~. ~
IS caring for 1T and training it than
WIZ become to us the sonrco
through which God will speal, -
trough it we will be show ,Iis
" 'Huon and goodness. and we ,r;,,
mace. -, His fellow-workers and bocon
inc children OF God. 'e