It was obligatory on all Jews who were within
a moderate distance of Jerusalem, to pay a visit to
the Temple once every year. In accordance with
this law, Joseph went up each year from Nazareth,
and Mary went also. As soon as He was old
enough, Jesus accompanied His parents. When He
was twelve years old. He travelled thither, but on
the return journey they missed Him. Vainly they
sought Him everywhere, and with heavy hearts
they asked each member of their company if they
had seen Him? No, He was not there. O what a
bitter grief for St. Joseph! How terrible were
those three days without Jesus!
Could it be through any negligence on his
part? Joseph's motive for separating himself from
Jesus had been a most unselfish one: that Mary
might have the joy of His company. Men and
women travelled in separate caravans, and children
would travel with either. But perhaps he might
have been more vigilant. Anyhow, he had lost
Jesus, and what could be worse than that? How
different from us, who too often remain content
with earthly things, with scarce a thought of
Jesus!
Joseph's grief was increased by witnessing the
sorrow of Mary. Together they returned to Jerusalem, asking, like the Spouse in the Canticles,
"Have you seen Him whom my soul loveth?" All
in vain; for three days and three nights no trace
of Jesus. Those days appeared like centuries.
Joseph, then, can sympathize with my desolation.
He knows the terrible void, the joyless days, the
weary nights, when Jesus is absent from the soul.