Pope Leo XIII established this feast in 1893 to offer it as a model of faith, love and devotion. Apart from this story we know little about the hidden life of Jesus. The life of Jesus remains a mystery for us. After his birth, we hear nothing until his baptism.

Most people who care for children could identify with the panic experienced by Mary and Joseph when they realised that Jesus, their beloved child, wasn’t where he was supposed to be. The fact that they thought he was with the large family group indicates that Jesus was a very thoughtful and responsible child. It would have been so out of character for him to go away on his own. Hence the intensity of Mary and Joseph’s worry would have been all the greater.

We can only imagine the tone of the exchange between Mary, Joseph and Jesus. The words recorded are civil and restrained. Can you imagine what your tone might have been like?

The exchange between mother and child seems to be at cross purposes. Mary speaks of her and Joseph’s anguish whilst Jesus responds about being true to a higher calling and being true to God. The feelings of the little family are shared. People speak their truth, and we can surmise that a reconciliation happened as they returned to their home, where we are told Jesus lived under their authority until he began his public ministry.

As families, we are often called to resolve difficult situations between parents and children. Here we see what can happen when conversations happen. People speak their truths and then together resolutions can be worked out and families can live in harmony with love and respect.

Today, let our mantra be: ‘May I speak my truth with love and respect.’

by Anne Surtees osu