The Church honors the family Jesus, Mary and Joseph by recalling the incident when Jesus was separated from them and was then found after three days amidst the rabbis and teachers in the Temple. There is a calmness in the story, despite the anxiety of "not knowing" and the tension in the exchange of words between Mary and Jesus: "Son, why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been looking for you with great anxiety." "Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house?" (cf. Lk 2: 49). Even not understanding what he meant, Mary and Joseph did not get angry, but took him back to Nazareth, with Mary, no doubt, pondering this answer for the rest of her life. There "he was obedient to them and advanced in wisdom age and favor before God and man."
As with all families, there were times when sensitivities and priorities had to be worked out. This is only one chapter in the 30 year period when Jesus lived at home. We can only imagine the daily routine of finding work in distant villages, bearing with the July heat, and parting with Joseph as he took leave of his life on earth. Yes, the comforts and stresses faced by any family. We look to the Holy Family for faith, trust, and love to help us live a holy family life.
Note: The Holy Family is the patron of the Province of the United States, so we Marists also need and profit by the example of Jesus, Mary and Joseph.
Bro. Rene.
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