A young Jesus

I found this painting of a young Jesus at St. Joseph’s Abbey, in Spencer, Massachusetts, a Trappist Cistercian Abbey where I spent a sabbatical in 2002, working and praying with the monks. This painting was hanging in an ornate living room which is usually closed for daily use, but opened only when special guests are visiting the Abbey. I probably visited it twice, once when I saw the painting of the young Jesus, and the second time when I got permission to take this photo. Jesus is around 12 years old here, possibly the time when He got lost in the temple, and told His parents that He had to do His father’s work. I always wonder what were his teenage years like. Did He ever date a girl? Did He obey his parents at home?  How much schooling did He receive? What were His hobbies? How did He spend His free time? How much time did He dedicate to prayer? The Gospel of St Luke in his second chapter, recalls some of the few phrases about a young Jesus.....’The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.’ And later when he got lost in the temple.... ‘After three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions, and all who heard him were astounded at his understanding and his answers.’