GOSPEL: Luke 2-41-52

Reading:

Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover. And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast. And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it. But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day's journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance. And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him. And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers. And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing. And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business? And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them. And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart. And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.

Commentary: 

In his devotional book called "The Family Altar", F. W. Herzberger writes concerning this text, "Being pious Israelites, Joseph and Mary, no doubt, regularly attended the synagog at Nazareth on Sabbath-days. But when the yearly Passover Feast drew nigh, they journeyed from Nazareth to Jerusalem to worship God in His holy Temple….. 'At this age, according to the Law, the youth of a Jewish boy ended. In his thirteenth year he became 'a son of the Law' and began to assume the necessary duties and responsibilities. He was presented before the authorities of the synagog and given his phylacteries [little pieces of parchment with extracts of the Law]. The ceremony had a meaning similar to that of confirmation or reception into membership in Christian churches.' We see then, how anxious Jesus' parents were in giving their foster-child the religious instruction which God commands all parents to give the children whom He has entrusted to their care. Alas, so many, many parents neglect this most sacred duty." As for "Wist ye not that I must be about My Father's business", such shows the purpose of Christ's life, to teach and preach the saving Word of God as His Father desired, Jesus being the Word Himself, for "the Word became flesh and dwelt among us."