In my Father's House

Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house?

Imagine the anxiety of Jesus' parents as they search for him!  Remarkably, “During those three dramatic days when the Son withdraws from them to stay in the temple, Mary and Joseph experience an anticipation of the triduum of his Passion, Death and Resurrection…”  (Pope John Paul II)  Thus is Mary put at the service of her Son's mission, an acceptance that will enable her to cooperate in salvation:  she kept all these things in her heart.  It is an introduction to the suffering that will lead to joy.

Image source:  Jan Steen, Jesus in the Temple (17th c.)