Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14; Psalm 128:1-5; Colossians 3:12-21;Luke 2:41-52
The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph
“Your father and I have been looking for you with great anxiety.” (Luke 2:48)
Great anxiety indeed! Jesus had been missing for three whole days. Jerusalem was a big city, teeming with people of all kinds. Anything could have happened.
How did Jesus respond to Mary and Joseph’s words of concern and worry? As casually as any other adolescent: “What’s the big deal? Didn’t you think to look in my Father’s house?” You can imagine Joseph wanting to shoot back: “Sorry, son, but my house is in Nazareth. You’re grounded for a month!”
But this was the Holy Family, and Jesus was already twelve years old. Surely this wasn’t the first time that he took them by surprise. They were probably in the habit of keeping things in their hearts (Luke 2:51) for further prayer, discussion, and pondering!
We may not be as well mannered as the Holy Family. Our parenting skills may be a little rough around the edges, too—especially if we compare ourselves to Mary and Joseph. Who among us hasn’t lost their cool over a child’s unpredictable actions or unexpected remarks? We’re all familiar with the vortex of worry and anxiety that our children can throw us into at times.
No matter how far short we fall from the ideal, we can still learn to weather the storms of parenting by working together as a couple, by letting love overcome guilt or anger, and placing our questions and needs before our heavenly Father.
Jesus seemed very far away during Mary and Joseph’s three-day ordeal. But all the time, he was waiting for them in his Father’s house. There will be times when our own children seem far from us, too. But as members of God’s family, sooner or later we can expect to find each other in our Father’s house. In the meantime, let’s consecrate our families to Jesus and ask him to teach us to how to live in the same faith and trust that Mary and Joseph knew.
“Father, you blessed Mary and Joseph for their unity and love. Let your Holy Spirit unite our family as well.”~WAU
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