Epiphany I

The Gospel about the boy Jesus in the temple shows us an exemplary family. Mary and Joseph took a pilgrimage every year, and Jesus himself was engrossed in the teaching of the Scriptures when he was found in the temple. Nevertheless trouble came to them, as Mary and Joseph sought him "sorrowing" for three days, until they found him there. So also, in Christian life, troubles descend and we must endure trouble sometimes. But this is God's way of showing us that he will not leave us, but will return to us, as joy comes in the morning. When Mary was cradling her dead Son on the day of his crucifixion, perhaps she had a faint memory of what she learned on the day when he was found in the temple on the third day. So he instructs us, until finally he prepares us for our own death, to be followed by Paradise, and the fruition of his glorious Godhead. The sermon.