When Jesus is found after being overlooked by his parents, this confirms many different things. Jesus tells us that He’s in His Father’s house, so we know He comes from divine. But while this seemed to be the focus of the message, we can look at this from another angle.

When parents leave their child for an extended period of time, whether it’d be for college, seeing them off on their own, or maybe that first day of preschool, it is important to not necessarily be too worried about them. But rather, have faith that he or she will end up in their “Father’s house.”

What this means is that God has ways of bringing each and every one of us to a place in which, when separated from our parents, moves us to where He thinks we can flourish. “…and all who heard him were astounded 
at his understanding and his answers.” And remember, we are all given gifts that He would like us to share with the world. But know that the choice is really our own, and once we decide, God can put us in a position to make things happen.

Further commentary: It is tough to continue with something of our choosing particularly when things are not going well. But know that this is also a mechanism by which God moves us. If you have the ability to recognize this, try listening to it and let yourself move from something that doesn’t feel right to something that’s joyful, energizing and liberating.

While Jesus’ parents acted out of “great anxiety,” there really was no reason to. By the same token, each and every one of us, in the process of searching for what we seek, does not have to feel anxiety and carry on in our lives with such.

We must continue to believe.

Comment to begin discussion.

The Reading | Lk 2:41-52

Each year Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem for the feast
 of Passover,

and when he was twelve years old,

they went up according to festival custom.

After they had completed its days, as they were returning,

the boy Jesus remained behind in Jerusalem,

but his parents did not know it.

Thinking that he was in the caravan,

they journeyed for a day

and looked for him among their relatives and acquaintances, 

but not finding him,

they returned to Jerusalem to look for him.

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.

When his parents saw him,

they were astonished,

and his mother said to him,

“Son, why have you done this to us?

Your father and I have been looking for you with great anxiety.”

And 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 what he said to them.

He went down with them and came to Nazareth,

and was obedient to them; 
and his mother kept all these things in her heart.

And Jesus advanced in wisdom and age and favor
before God and man.

Note: Published 2/2 for 12/27