When Jesus was twelve years old, he went with his parents to
Jerusalem to celebrate Passover as was their custom. After the feast, Jesus
stayed behind without Joseph and Mary’s knowledge.
Supposing him to be in the traveling
group, they went a day’s journey, and looked for him among their relatives and friends.
When they didn’t find him, they returned to Jerusalem.
After three days they found him in the temple, sitting in
the middle of the teachers, both listening to them, and asking questions. All
who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers.
When his parents found him, they were astonished, and his
mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us this way? Behold, your father
and I were anxiously looking for you.”
He said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Didn’t you
know that I must be in my Father’s house?” They didn’t understand the meaning
of what he said to them.
Back home in Nazareth, he was subject to his parents,
and his mother kept all these sayings in her heart. Jesus increased in wisdom
and stature, and in favor with God and men.
Reflections
Contrary
to what many people imagine, this is not a story of Jesus as a 12-year-old boy
teaching the scholars in the temple. What people were most impressed with were
the questions he asked. Sometimes a good question is as important as a good
answer.
How have
your questions about God been handled by others? Have you been dismissed,
criticized, or given simplistic answers?
Prayer: Give me the courage to admit, Lord,
that I often have more questions than answers.
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