11 March, Antonio, Cardinal Bacci: Meditations For Each Day

The Growth of Jesus

1. We read in the Gospel of St. Luke that “Jesus advanced in wisdom and age and grace before God and men.” (Luke 2:52) Jesus as God was the infinite wisdom of the Father and could not, therefore, advance in wisdom. He was eternal and could not advance in age. He was the source and giver of grace, so could not make progress in this regard. As man, however, Jesus wished that the external development of all His powers should correspond with his advance in age. He wished to display His wisdom and holiness in a gradual manner. He did this in order to set an example. The life of a Christian should be a gradual advance towards God, towards wisdom and holiness. “You therefore are to be perfect, even as your heavenly Father is perfect.” (Mt. 5:48) Every true Christian aims at making constant progress towards perfection. The imperfect must correct their failings and master their evil inclinations. The lukewarm must try to be more fervent in prayer and good works. Those who are good must try to be better. Those who are holy must go on increasing in sanctity. (Cf. Apoc. 22:11)

2. It is impossible to stand still in life. This is true whether we are speaking of the natural or of the supernatural. Life is motion and activity; there can be no cessation. In the natural order life begins in the womb and passes through the various stages of infancy, adolescence, maturity, and old age. The supernatural life begins in Baptism, matures in Confirmation, and is made entirely holy in the Eucharistic union with Jesus. But if this life begins to fail, the result can be everlasting ruin. It is true that in His infinite goodness Jesus has provided the Sacrament of Penance for those who fall and extinguish in themselves the supernatural life of grace. The sacrament of Penance has been instituted for their salvation. At the hour of death, moreover, the Sacrament of Extreme Unction heals the scars of sin and soothes the worn-out body with a refreshing ray of the spiritual life. But woe betide those who abuse God's gifts! If anyone repeatedly rejects His favours and appeals, instead of advancing in goodness he will be engulfed in the languor of spiritual death.

3. Like Jesus, we must advance in goodness before men as well as before God. Our external behaviour should be the candid mirror of our inner sanctity. The external appearance of courtesy, good manners and holiness should not be mere ostentation. It should be a vital expression of interior goodness, which naturally tends to show itself outwardly so that all “may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” (Mt. 5:16) If it is no more than a display, Jesus will say that “they have received their reward.” (Cf. Mt. 6:1-5) If it is pure hypocrisy, Jesus will drive away the culprits from Himself because they are “like whited sepulchres.” (Cf. Mt. 23:27) Let us make Jesus our constant model, therefore. Let our outward demeanour reflect always our interior goodness and holiness.