Encountering the Heart of St. Joseph: Jesus' stay in the Temple

Only the Gospel of St. Luke includes an event from Jesus’ childhood. This, of course, is the finding in the temple, when at age 12, Jesus deliberately remained behind while Mary and St. Joseph began their journey to Nazareth. St. Luke reports that Mary and St. Joseph sought Jesus for three days (the same amount of time he would remain in the tomb) before discovering him. When they find him, Mary tells her son of the “great anxiety” with which she and St. Joseph had searched for him.

This singular story can prompt much reflection. We trust that since Jesus is perfect, his absence must have been for the fulfilment of the father’s plan. We know, too, that Mary is without sin, and so even in her anxiety she retained absolute trust in her son. Perhaps, therefore, it is easiest for us to look to St. Joseph when we consider the story. Unlike Mary and Jesus, he was not preserved original sin. It is easy to imagine St. Joseph searching frantically for his foster-son, fearful of the outcome, and confused as to Jesus’ actions when he was found. 

Often, we may feel distant from the Lord. We don’t understand why he seems to ignore our prayers or why it is so difficult to experience his presence. He almost may seem to be absent intentionally. When this happens, we can do no better than to follow the example of St. Joseph. Even in our anxiety and confusion, we can seek Jesus while holding fast to the Blessed Mother and trusting in the Lord that “all things work for good for those who love God” (Rom 8:28).

Claire Breaux
Tribunal director, Diocese of Baton Rouge