Daily Devotion for July 13, 2006

Day 18

 

Synagogue of Nazareth

 

When Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth.  Luke 2:39

 

Although the main attraction in town is the Basilica of the Annunciation, if one walks west of the Basilica into the old part of town one can see the Synagogue Church.  It is a simple stone building which tradition says is the synagogue in which Jesus and his family attended Sabbath services.

 

This is certainly a very old building.  And it is a suitable place to consider the influence which Mary, Joseph and the whole Jewish community had on the young Jesus.  Joseph would have taken Jesus with him to the synagogue just as Orthodox Jewish fathers take their sons today.

 

The whole synagogue experience would have had a very powerful effect on Jesus.  The reading of the Torah and the singing of the psalms would impress any sensitive boy, especially when reinforced by the prayers and pious rituals of the home.

 

Today as then, Judaism is much more than doctrine.  It is a way of life which involves the whole family.  At first glance, Judaism seems to be very much a “man’s religion” with fathers deeply involved in the religious education of sons.  But it also depends on the customs and atmosphere of orthodox practice and piety maintained by the mother in the home!

 

In subtle ways and in very public ways, the whole Jewish community of Nazareth molded the religious sensibilities of the town’s young people.  It seems likely that “the carpenter’s son” was no exception.

 

Prayer
Jesus, your human attitudes were deeply formed by Mary, Joseph and by the religious practice of Nazareth.  Help parents to realize the importance of their words and example.  Help us all to know that our faith and devotion, or lack of it, strongly influences the next generation.  For we are all responsible for one another.  Even the most independent young people secretly look for guidance and example from parents, older relatives and from friends.  Keep us from giving scandal.  Make us humble and honest models of Christian living.  Amen

 

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