Benedict XVI - Infancy Narratives

 

Reflections: ... truly magical moments.    

Dear William,

You have so well enjoyed your Christmas Octave. Your loving insights open the shutters for some of my places.  

Thank you. 

All good wishes for the New Year. 

fr. donald.org.uk 

----- Forwarded Message -----
From: William W ...
To: Donald ...
Sent: Monday, 31 December 2012, 13:26
Subject: Benedict XVI - Infancy Narratives

Dear Father Donald,

 

I have journeyed through the Octave of Christmas in the light of the understanding of Scripture of Pope Benedict XVI, his third volume 'Jesus of Nazareth'.

 

His third volume appears to be a straightforward progression through the infancy narratives, but I soon discovered his thoughts to be more of a glorious lectio divina than of a commentary, made with the freedom of one who has such erudition within the summit of his mind, making it all the more theological in consequence. He sees and interprets every event in the infancy marratives that Scripture presents, observing all the prophecies that precede and viewing in all the circumstances volumes of significance for Christ's mission and ministry. Perhaps the most memorable feature of the book are such investigations that conclude with, "I tend to regard as the one true explanation..." or "It seems natural to me...", and I sat savoured his closing comments regarding the 'finding in the temple': "It becomes quite apparent that [Jesus] is true man and true God, as the Church's faith expresses it. The interplay between the two is something that we cannot ultimately define. It remains a mystery, and yet emerges quite concretely in the short narrative about the twelve-year-old Jesus. At the same time, this story opens a door to the figure of Jesus as a whole, which is what the Gospels go on to recount."

 

There are some truly magical moments, quite often as asides (or deviations to follow a thread of thought, eg end of page 42 where he considers "the lofty theological task assigned to the child") and parts that are cosmic in their scope (eg mid page 100 where he considers "the language of creation"). 

 

I think this is a book that will reside in the memory of those who savour it as the scent of incense lingers long after the sound of the chant has died away, echoes that resonate.

 

Delighting to share these reflections with you,

with my love in Our Lord,

William