Working for the Word

Focusing the Gospel

Key words and phrases: looked for him, look for him, looking for you, Why were you looking for me, in my Father’s house, obedient to them, advanced in wisdom

To the point: Mary and Joseph looked for Jesus. In reality, this describes our own Christian living. We look for Jesus when we, like him, seek to be in God’s presence; when we, like him, choose to be obedient; when we, like him, grow in wisdom. Along the way we discover that Jesus enlarges where we look for him, how we find him, and what new understanding comes to us through our encounters with him. This is the pattern of faithful Christian living that brings us to fullness of life.

Connecting the Gospel …

… to the Second Reading: The Second Reading parallels what the gospel suggests about looking for Jesus. We look for Jesus by believing in him, loving one another, and keeping the commandments.

… to experience: Our experience of divine presence, obedience, and growing in wisdom unfolds first and foremost in our family life. The joys, challenges, and pains of family life are all opportunities to look for and find Jesus.

**From Saint Louis University