On the first Sunday after Christmas, the Church invites us to turn our gaze toward the Holy Family of Nazareth: Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. This family, united in love and faith, serves as an inspiring model for Christian families throughout the ages.
The Pilgrimage to Jerusalem: A Moment of Joy and Discovery
The Gospel of the day recounts a significant event in Jesus’ life at the age of 12, a milestone when a Jewish boy becomes a “son of the commandment,” embracing religious responsibilities.
The Holy Family embarks on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem for the Passover feast. This journey, filled with fervor and joy, transforms into a profound experience of faith.
In the episode described by Saint Luke, Jesus remains in Jerusalem unbeknownst to his parents. After a day’s travel, Mary and Joseph notice his absence and, filled with concern, return to Jerusalem.
Three days later, they find him in the Temple, seated among the teachers of the Law, listening and asking questions with remarkable wisdom.
Faith Tested
In her distress, Mary voices her concern: “Child, why have you treated us like this?” Jesus calmly replies, “Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?”
This response reveals his awareness of his divine mission and unique relationship with the Heavenly Father. Despite their understanding of Jesus’ divine origin, Mary and Joseph struggle to fully comprehend this mysterious reply.
The journey of Mary and Joseph reminds us that even those in unique proximity to God must often walk in the darkness of faith, renewing their “yes” to divine will daily.
A Model for Today
The Holy Family of Nazareth stands as a model for all families—a model of trust, dialogue, and fidelity in moments of joy and trial.
Like Mary and Joseph, we are invited to treasure the events of our lives in our hearts, seeking divine light to better understand the mysteries of our existence.
The Gospel concludes with a profound note: Jesus grew in wisdom, stature, and grace before God and people. This growth serves as a call for all of us—parents and children alike—to seek spiritual growth and draw closer to God in our daily lives.
Scripture References
- 1 Samuel 1:20-22, 24-28
- 1 John 3:1-2, 21-24
- Luke 2:41-52
Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Luke
Each year his parents went to Jerusalem for the feast of Passover,
and when he was twelve years old,
they went up according to festival custom.
After they had completed its days, as they were returning,
the boy Jesus remained behind in Jerusalem,
but his parents did not know it.
Thinking that he was in the caravan, they journeyed for a day
and looked for him among their relatives and acquaintances,
but not finding him, they returned to Jerusalem to look for him.
After three days they found him in the temple,
sitting in the midst of the teachers,
listening to them and asking them questions,
and all who heard him were astounded at his understanding and his answers.
When his parents saw him, they were astonished,
and his mother said to him,
“Son, why have you done this to us?
Your father and I have been looking for you with great anxiety.”
And he said to them,
“Why were you looking for me?
Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?”
But they did not understand what he said to them.
He went down with them and came to Nazareth,
and was obedient to them;
and his mother kept all these things in her heart.
And Jesus advanced [in] wisdom and age and favor
before God and man.
For today’s readings, please refer to Vatican News.
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