“39And when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth. 40And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him. 41 Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover. 42 And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast. 43And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it. 44But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day’s journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance. 45And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him. 46And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. 47And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers.” (Luke 2:39-47)
Jesus grows up in Nazareth. When he is 12 years old, he goes with his parents on pilgrimage to the Temple in Jerusalem to celebrate Passover, as is the yearly custom of many Jews. Jesus’ parents begin their return to Nazareth when they suddenly notice that their son hasn’t joined the caravan. They return to Jerusalem to find Jesus sitting at the Temple. They are amazed to see him debating with the sages, astonishing everyone present with his wisdom and depth. Jesus chooses to stay in the heart of the holy sanctuary so that he can seek the hidden light waiting to be revealed. Despite his young ageand the fact that he hails from the remote region of the Galilee, Jesus does not hesitate to remain and face challenges. Every person has a mission in this world. Divine light reveals itself to those who are not afraid to look for it in between the crevices and behind the external layers waiting to be peeled back.
Persistence is the relentless pursuit of our personal mission.
