Gospel: Lk 2:41–51
Every year the parents of Jesus went to Jerusalem for the Feast of the Passover, as was
customary. And when Jesus was twelve years old, he went up with them, according to the
custom of this feast. After the festival was over, they returned, but the boy Jesus
remained in Jerusalem, and his parents did not know it. They assumed that he was in their group
of travelers, and after walking the whole day they looked for him among their relatives and
friends. As they did not find him, they went back to Jerusalem searching for him, and on the third day they
found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking questions. And all the
people were amazed at his understanding and his answers. His parents were very surprised when they
saw him, and his mother said to him, “Son, why have you done this to us? Your father and I were very
worried while searching for you.” Then he said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know
that I must be in my Father’s house?” But they did not understand this answer. Jesus went down with them,
returning to Nazareth, and he continued to be obedient to them. As for his mother, she kept all these things
in her heart.

Reflection:

Going to the Temple of Jerusalem is an exciting event for a Jew,
especially if it is not done often. Jesus who is now an adolescent
must have felt the excitement like any normal young Jew
of His time. He goes with His extended family. It is a religious as
well as a social and cultural journey. But Jesus got caught not in the
wonders of a cosmopolitan city such as Jerusalem. He is fascinated
by the discourse the teachers do regarding the scriptures. And so,
he forgot time and the urgency of going home with his parents and kin.
He was absorbed by the task at hand. He does not even feel vulnerable
in such a vast and crowded place far from his familiar adults. He was
at home in His Father’s house.

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