Our Father Who art in heaven...
Jesus went with Mary and Joseph to Jerusalem - God's great and holy city. Along the way home, he was separated from the family and got lost. When they found him back in the temple, Mary (relieved but also maybe annoyed) said, "We've been looking for you for three days." They must have worked it out peacefully: the Bible says nothing about there having been an argument.
Hail Mary full of grace...
Joseph and Mary took Jesus to Jerusalem to celebrate the biggest holy day of the year called Passover. This day remembers when the Hebrew people, who had been slaves in Egypt, were let go and they crossed through the Red Sea to freedom. We all need a pass over - so hearts can be freed of hatred and selfishness for generous loving.
Hail Mary full of grace...
Jesus knew just where to go and so Mary and Joseph found Jesus in the beautiful temple. My church is God's house. In fact, the people in Russia say, "What good is a road if it doesn't lead to a church?"
Hail Mary full of grace...
The Gospels tell us that the twelve year old Jesus was in the temple listening to the religious teachers and asking them questions. Jesus loved to learn, especially if the conversation was about God. There is so much to learn. God has filled the world with beautiful surprises!
Hail Mary full of grace...
When Mary asked Jesus, "Where have you been? Didn't you know we'd be worried?" he answered with mysterious words, saying, "Didn't you know I had to be doing my Father's work and in my Father's house?" But when Jesus said, "Father" he wasn't talking about Joseph, he was talking about God! Imagine that ~ God first!
Hail Mary full of grace...
This Gospel story tells us that Jesus went back to Nazareth with Joseph and Mary and that he obeyed them. It also tells us that as Jesus grew older he became very wise and lived a life that pleased God, his family and the neighbors. I want to live that kind of life.
Hail Mary full of grace...
In this painting the teachers have their holy books open. They are telling the young Jesus about God's commandments. Jesus put his two favorite commandments together making one new one: Love God and love other people. Live like this and everything will be well!
Hail Mary full of grace...
It must have been hard for Mary and Joseph to find a lost boy in a big city like Jerusalem. Here are some ways never to lose Jesus: speak only true words, stretch your heart to include others, be generous with those who have very little, keep your heart like a clean inside room, forgive and make peace when it's needed.
Hail Mary full of grace...
Joseph had a lot of stress, didn't he? He had to take pregnant Mary to Bethlehem. The Baby had to be born out of the town - maybe in a cave. He had to take the Baby and his Mother to Egypt because Herod didn't want the Child around. Then Jesus got lost and he and Mary had to search for three tiring days. But Joseph never complained, did he?
Hail Mary full of grace...
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| Children taking water home in Africa |
When the young Jesus went back to Nazareth to live with Mary and Joseph he must have learned to be a worker in Joseph's wood shop. Joseph made windows, doors and furniture. One story tells us that Jesus went to the well to get water in a bucket for his family. It takes a lot of work to make a family - we each have to do our part.
Hail Mary full of grace...
Glory be to the Father...
