Ave Maria Meditations
The Third Sorrow:
The Loss of the Child Jesus in the Temple: And when He was twelve years old, they going up into Jerusalem, according to the custom of the feast, and having fulfilled the days, when they returned, the child Jesus remained in Jerusalem; and his parents knew it not. And thinking that He was in the company, they came a day’s journey, and sought Him among their kinsfolks and acquaintance. And not finding Him, they returned into Jerusalem, seeking Him. (Lk 2: 43-45)
I pity you, oh my afflicted mother, on account of the third sword that pierced your heart at the loss of your dear son, Jesus, who remained absent from you in Jerusalem for three days, when not seeing your beloved one by your side, and not knowing the cause of his absence, I conceive, my loving queen, how in these nights you did not repose, and did nothing but sigh for him who was your only good. By the sighs, then, of those three days, for you so long and bitter, I pray you to obtain for me the grace never to lose my God, that I may always live closely united to God, and thus united with him, depart from this world.
PRAYER
Oh Blessed Virgin, why art Thou afflicted, seeking Thy lost Son? Is it because Thou dost not know where He is? But dost Thou not know that He is in Thy Heart? Dost Thou not see that He is feeding among the lilies? Thou Thyself hast said it: “My beloved to me and I to Him who feedeth among the lilies.” These, Thy humble, pure, and holy thoughts and affections, are all lilies, that invite the Divine Spouse to dwell with Thee. Ah, Mary, dost Thou sigh after Jesus, Thou who lovest none but Jesus?
Leave sighing to me and so many other sinners who do not love Him, and who have lost Him by offending Him. My most amiable Mother, if through my fault Thy Son hast not yet returned to my soul, wilt Thou obtain for me that I may find Him. I know well that He allows Himself to be found by all who seek Him: “The Lord is good to the soul that seeketh Him.” Make me to seek Him as I ought to seek Him. Thou art the gate through which all find Jesus; through Thee I too hope to find Him.
