GOSPEL
From the Gospel according to Luke 2:41-52
Every year Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem for the Festival of the Passover. When he was twelve years old, they went up to the festival, according to the custom. After the festival was over, while his parents were returning home, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but they were unaware of it. Thinking he was in their company, they traveled on for a day. Then they began looking for him among their relatives and friends. When they did not find him, they went back to Jerusalem to look for him. After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers. When his parents saw him, they were astonished. His mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you.”
“Why were you searching for me?” he asked. “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?” But they did not understand what he was saying to them.
Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart. And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.
The Gospel of the Lord
Learning Through suffering
This Gospel anticipates what will happen when Jesus’ appointed hour arrives. At 12 years old, Jesus had reached the age of accountability to observe the law. His Mother was separated from Him for three days, unable to understand what was happening, yet Jesus was focused on His Father’s mission. Mary, who treasured all these events in her heart, surely reflected on them later during the Passion and death of her Son.
Applied to Married Life:
Vanessa :Emilio, today I feel like I’ve been living within Mary’s heart.
Emilio: What makes you say that?
Vanessa: Because nothing that happened to me this morning made sense. I was so eager to attend the Eucharist, especially since it’s the anniversary of my consecration. But first, you asked me to join you, and then to have coffee together. By the time I finished, it was too late, and I couldn’t make it. I felt so upset.
Emilio: And how does that connect to the Virgin Mary?
Vanessa: It connects because I realized that it was God’s will for me to offer this sacrifice as an act of love for you. At first, I didn’t understand, but I kept it in my heart until it became clear.
Emilio: I see now. It’s about choosing love as the priority and trusting that whatever happens is part of God’s plan, even if it seems difficult.
Vanessa: Exactly! Thank you for putting it so clearly.
Emilio: Thank you for loving me so much. Should we go to Mass together tomorrow?
Vanessa :But you never go during the week… This is such a wonderful surprise! Thank you, Lord.
Mother Mary,
How many trials you endured. You, too, learned obedience through suffering. Praise be to God!