When
Jesus was twelve years old, they went to Jerusalem, according to the custom of
the Pasch, and having fulfilled the days, when they returned, the child Jesus
remained in Jerusalem; and his parents knew it not. And thinking
that he was in the company, they came a day's journey, and sought him among
their kinsfolk and acquaintance. And
not finding him, they returned into Jerusalem, seeking him.
– St Luke 2:41-45
Most holy Mary and St Joseph found themselves … overwhelmed
with self-reproach at their remissness in watching over their most holy Son and
thus blamed themselves for his absence… and with deepest sorrow took counsel
with each other as to what was to be done.
– Venerable Maria de Agreda
Later in the Gospel, St. Joseph appears in one more episode, when he goes to Jerusalem and lives the anguish of losing the Son Jesus. St. Luke describes the anxious search and the wonder at finding him in the Temple, but even greater is the astonishment at hearing the mysterious words: "How is it that you sought me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house?" (St. Luke 2:49). This twofold question of the Son of God helps us to understand the mystery of Joseph's paternity. Reminding his own parents of the primacy of the One he calls "my Father," Jesus affirms the primacy of the will of God over every other will, and reveals to Joseph the profound truth of his role: He too is called to be a disciple of Jesus, dedicating his existence to the service of the Son of God and of the Virgin Mother, in obedience to the Heavenly Father.- Pope Benedict XVI, Vatican Gardens, 5 July 2010
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