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Second Reading for the Solemnity of Saint Joseph, Husband of Mary

Luke 2:41-51a

Summary: At twelve, Jesus remained in Jerusalem's temple after Passover, discussing with teachers, to his parents' dismay upon finding him. He questioned why they searched, stating he must be in his Father's house, a concept they didn't understand. Jesus then returned to Nazareth, obedient to his parents.

Gospel Acclamation: Blessed are those who dwell in your house, O Lord; they never cease to praise you. (Psalm 84:5)

Jesus at the Temple

Each year Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem for the feast of Passover, and when he was twelve years old, they went up according to festival custom. After they had completed its days, as they were returning, the boy Jesus remained behind in Jerusalem, but his parents did not know it.

Thinking that he was in the caravan, they journeyed for a day and looked for him among their relatives and acquaintances, but not finding him, they returned to Jerusalem to look for him.

After three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions, and all who heard him were astounded at his understanding and his answers.

When his parents saw him, they were astonished, and his mother said to him, “Son, why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been looking for you with great anxiety.”

And he said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” But they did not understand what he said to them.

He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them.

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