Is that how full is the church usually? The numbers are high, it is a joy. This number is how Christianity should be. Every year the Passover festival was celebrated. The adult male would go to the temple. Each year Jesus' parens went. What obligation do you follow if you believe but do not go to church? Why did Jesus' family go? The husband had his wife Mary go with him out of love. Jesus was a child and they took him to introduce faith to him. One day a man passed the church in Myrtle Beach and made the sign of the cross, which is faith. In my village, there was no chapel but we walked there. How do you introduce children to faith? Children are curious, ask questions, some we do not think about. The gospel once was about passing through the gates. The entrance is where you see the cross. What are the children thinking? Bring them to the Lord. Jesus asked all the questions. Piety is about observing the commandments and obligations, what we can learn from our readings. Why did Hannah need a child? She gave him Samuel to the Lord. Offer what you are given back to the Lord. Each year the holy family went to the temple. Even Muslims go to the holy place mosque every Friday. Let us look at that, the mother said, "Why have you done this for us?" Jesus' response was surprising. It meant handle him with care. Part of the care is the soul. Lead the child to the one who has given everything. What has God promised to us as families? We take our children for granted. Keep pondering what God has promised us. Jesus was not as he thought. Think about what holiness is for a family. Jesus was in the temple as the obedient one. There is one parent above all parents. We do not know where our experiences are leading us. We may understand the meaning much later. With each passing, Mary's pondering allowed her to understand. Take time, be patient, the plan of God is always for the good of humanity. If we like Mary treasure the gospel, we will find Jesus. It is about finding Jesus. Discipleship is about finding the unexpected. We pray that we find Jesus through the church and sacraments to draw us closer to Jesus. Happy feast day, renew the love God has given to you.
