Today’s Gospel might show that even Joseph and Mary had parental problems raising Jesus. Their Son had reached the age of twelve and was experiencing the newfound freedom of manhood. The mistake of His parents is an example of how He and they grew together. Because of His budding freedom, Jesus could choose with whom He would travel in the caravan returning to Galilee. His parents were wise enough to permit His choice. Each of them, Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, can help us better understand that neither growing up nor parenting is easy. 

The travelers paused for a stopover, and Jesus was nowhere to be seen. Thus, the three-day frantic search by Joseph and Mary for their lost child began. The Temple, it seems, was the last place they searched; maybe not a place to search but one to pray, very hard! We can view the Gospel scene this way. Jesus was not to be found in the Women’s Court. Mary had to wait there, but Joseph went up into the Court of Men, and Jesus was discussing with the Elders there. Jesus was an obedient youngster, and He went with Joseph to find His Mother Mary.

With great relief, Mary saw them coming, and she blurted out, “Son, why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been looking for you with great anxiety.” Do mothers ever get impatient or appeal in their husbands’ name in a time of discipline as Mary did with Joseph, “Your father and I?” Worse, in front of Joseph, Jesus said, “Did you not know I must be in my Father’s house?”

At times, youngsters say trying things. St. Luke offered a thought about this we ought not to miss. Jesus officially reached manhood at age twelve. But in His human nature, He had much to learn. As Luke states, “Jesus advanced in wisdom and age and favor before God and man.”  He also wanted us to know that Jesus left the Temple with His parents and, “He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them.”

The natural family of Joseph, Mary, and Jesus survived the terribly anxious time described by the Gospel. Joseph, though humbled, did not abandon his God-given role. Sensitive Mary was a faithful, loving Mother even through the agony of Calvary. Obedient Jesus accepted death, even death on a cross. We, too, have much to learn.