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Samuel 1: 20-22; 24-28 Psalm 83 1John 3:1-2;21-24 Luke 2: 41-52
A thousand years before the birth of Christ, the birth of Samuel was, in its own way, miraculous. In her gratitude for a son, his mother, Hannah, gave him to the service of God in the Temple and Samuel grew up in favour with God. The words used are very similar to those Luke used to describe the early life of Jesus.
The Gospel passage telling of the childhood visit of the Holy Family to the Temple in Jerusalem is unique to Luke. The family had gone up to celebrate the annual festival of Passover and Jesus' parents lost him as they returned home. His deep conversation with the religious teachers clearly puzzled Mary and Joseph, who nevertheless accepted his need to learn about his Jewish faith. For his part Jesus returned with his parents and accepted their authority.
Can we follow this example of mutual respect of parents and children for one another?