Where are you my child?

     Could you ever imagine losing your child for 3 days? The anxiety and fear that must have flooded the hearts of St. Joseph and Mary when the child Jesus was not found to be in their company, three days away. First came the realization, then the journey back, then the searching. That Temple was always packed with people. Mary was conceived without original sin, but like us in all other ways. The fear and disappointment in herself, as the Savior of the world's Mother, must have weighed heavy on Her beloved heart. She did not take Her role as Mother lightly. She knew the importance of the care God had entrusted to Her. And poor Saint Joseph. The head of the Holy family. Probably felt embarrassed and just as anxiety filled as His sweet wife. All that time, three days away, many thoughts had to have been pondered in the minds of those Holy parents. Then to arrive to a people packed city. Searching and asking everyone if they had seen a young boy. Finally, led to the temple, where He resided, and to walk into a scene unbelievable to their eyes. There He was in the middle of all of the Great old men, teachers, while they listened to "Him" and asked "Him" questions. With each step they took towards Him, their relief began to set in but also at the same time frustration. "How could you have done this to us", Mary said to Him. Then to have Him respond to Her, "did you not know I had to be in my father's house?"

     They just must have been taken aback as He never asked permission from them and just stayed behind without them. Many opportunities were presented to Mary and Joseph in realization of God's commitment and purpose for the Birth of Jesus. Why there had to be a child born to save us all. This surely was one of those times. 

    If you have ever lost a child in the crowd and searched fearfully, hopefully, to find them, then you have had a glimpse into those three days and finding of the Child Jesus in the temple. Your heart is so relieved, but angry at yourself for letting it happen in the first place. Loving that child all the more when he runs into your arms and becoming more vigilant as to their whereabouts. 

    I believe that God searches for us and hopes we search for Him. Finding us, and bringing us back home, where it's safe. Nevermore to follow down an unknown path without His watchful eye to guide us.