And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man. Luke 2:52
We see this conclusion to the story of Jesus staying in Jerusalem while his parents and family head back to Nazareth. They find him in the temple after looking for three days. He submits to them and then returns to Nazareth where he grows in wisdom and stature.
Today on this Sunday after New Year's Day, the second day of the Year of our Lord 2011 we are asking ourselves "what is our stature?" Princeton Wordnet defines it as:
| Definitions of 'stature' | Princeton's WordNet |
1. (noun) stature
high level of respect gained by impressive development or achievement
"a man of great stature"
2. (noun) stature, height
(of a standing person) the distance from head to foot
When we think about "Stature" we may only think of someone's height, but when we look at the word here in Scripture the context suggests so much more. Humility, obedience, faithfulness, grace, all come to mind when we think of what the Holy Spirit was saying through Luke in this story of the boy Jesus at 12 years of age.
We will look at Solomon in 1 Kings 3:4-15 and his humility in asking for discernment and wisdom instead of personal wealth etc.. We look at St. Paul's words in Ephesians 1:3-14 that we are chosen, adopted, receiving a lavish gift of Grace and the Holy Spirit. When we realize who we are and to whom we belong does it effect our stature? Did this Christmas help us to better understand the love the father has for us and therefore grow our stature by His Holy Spirit? Let us grow in Christ, HIS wisdom, grace and stature today and throughout 2011.
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