We always imagine that Jesus' family must have been an extremely happy one. Yet, like every other family, it must have had from time to time its ups and downs, its joys and sorrows, its problems and difficulties. It must have been a painful time when Jesus, already about 30 years old, left his family for the work his Father had given him to do. But warning of this mission of the Father had come much earlier, as described in today's Gospel. The family had gone to Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover with thousands of other pilgrims. As the caravan of pilgrims was on its way home, Mary and Joseph suddenly realise that Jesus is not with them. So they went back to Jerusalem "looking for him everywhere". Only people who have lost a son or daughter or sibling in this way will be able to appreciate the anxiety such a situation would engender. Finally, the parents went to the Temple and were amazed to find their boy calmly sitting with the religious teachers and impressing them with his intelligence and his answers to their questions. "Why were you looking for me?" Jesus asked His distressed parents. "Did you not know that I must be busy with my Father's affairs?" What did He mean talking like that? Mary had mentioned Jesus' 'father' but Jesus had spoken about 'my Father'. Only later would the Mother understand. While the family must always have top priority in our concerns, it is not an absolute priority. All of us, and especially Christians, are called to follow the example of Jesus.