Twelve-Year Old Jesus in the Temple
St. Francis Bulletin with reading on Page 4-6
OPENING PRAYER:
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, AMEN
Please open my mind, heart and soul to hear your message and receive what you are teaching me today through your WORD in Christ, AMEN.
In this Sunday’s Gospel reading: Luke 2: 41-52, St. Luke tells a very precious story of 12-year old Jesus in the Temple. This story sheds light on what the Son of God was like as he is growing up in the Holy Family.
According to the Torah (Jewish Law), every family traveled to the Temple for 3 great feasts: The Passover was one of those feasts.
Jesus’ family was devout (holy and obedient). They enjoyed the joy and sense of freedom offered by God to those who were united to His will for them.
Jesus’ family observed the law and made the pilgrim journey as part of a faithful pilgrim community caravan, 3 times a year.
As a 12 year old, Jesus made the pilgrim journey with his parents in preparation for being required to do so at age 13 and beyond.
On this pilgrim journey, Jesus stays behind to be in his Father’s house to pursue his mission as Son of God.
His parents do not miss him until 1 full day into the journey home. (The pilgrim families allowed their children freedom to be with one another as they traveled during the day.)
Luke counts 3 days of loss for Jesus’ parents: 1 day’s journey out of Jerusalem, 1 day back, 1 day looking for Jesus.
When Mary and Joseph find Jesus, he declares his ultimate mission as savior: “ I must be in my Father’s house” (doing what he called me to do, according to his will and timing.)
Mary, Joseph, and Jesus all go home to Nazareth to live life as a Holy Family in the coming years, each pondering in their hearts what God is revealing to them.
Luke says that Jesus was obedient and respectful to his earthly family and grew in wisdom and favor as he matured.
This story of Jesus in the Temple reminds us of what was said of the prophet Samuel who “grew in favor with God and Man.” (1Samuel 2:26)
We know from this encounter that Jesus was in close touch with his Father and knew his Mission even as a 12 year old. We know that what Jesus reveals to us in His WORD as coming from his Father, our Father.
Mary may have thought about what she heard from Simeon when she obediently presented Jesus back to God in the temple (8 days after he was born):
“This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, 35 so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.” Luke 2:34.
She was grateful and joy-filled to find Jesus in the Temple this time. Sit with how she must have felt as she pondered on the years still ahead. Write your thoughts in your journal. Share as a family.
CLOSING PRAYER:
Father,
help us to live as the holy family
united in respect and love.
Bring us to the joy and peace
of your eternal home.
Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ your Son,
who lives and reigns with you
and the Holy Spirit
God, for ever and ever.
Amen
We invite you to enjoy the Joyful Mysteries, especially the 5th Joyful Mystery, Finding Jesus in the Temple as you prepare for Sunday Mass. and throughout the following week.
The Joyful Mysteries of the Holy Rosary
Superbook video for children
Finding Jesus in the Temple Video Teaching
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