Joyful Mysteries - Finding in the Temple
Every year the parents of Jesus went to Jerusalem for the Feast of the Passover, as was customary. And when Jesus was twelve years old, he went up with them according to the custom for this feast. After the festival was over, they returned, but the boy Jesus remained in Jerusalem and his parents did not know it.
They thought he was in the company and after walking the whole day they looked for him among their relatives and friends. As they did not find him, they went back to Jerusalem searching for him, and on the third day they found him in the Temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them, and asking questions. And all the people were amazed at his understanding and his answers.
His parents were very surprised when they saw him and his mother said to him, "Son, why have you done this to us? Your father and I were very worried while searching for you." Then he said to them, "Why were you looking for me? Do you not know that I must be in my Father's house?" But they did not understand this answer.
Luke 2:41 - 50
At the age of twelve Jesus goes to Jerusalem to be with his people as they celebrate Passover together. When the festival is over and others turn to go back to their lives, Jesus remains in the Temple. Jesus is the teacher of the covenant, the law, and the words of the prophets, and they will be fulfilled in him. He debates the word of God and traditions with his elders. They are amazed - both the teachers and the people who listen to them discussing their beliefs. His answers and his understanding are far beyond his years and study. They are born of wisdom, of the Spirit of God.
His parents journey a whole day before they realize he is not in the company of relative and friends. And they journey another day back to Jerusalem. They return in distress and when they find him in the Temple, holding his own with the teachers, scribes, and doctors of the law, they are stunned and dismayed. They are unaware of his meaning, his truth and his vocation: that he has been sent in the world by his Father to save and bring life. He returns with them, but this is a demarcation point, a benchmark in their relationship with them. He is no longer theirs: he belongs to God the Father alone and lives in that Spirit even as he continues to be subject to them.