Luke's Gospel gives us a glimpse into the mind of Jesus. Even at the age of twelve (v42), Jesus displayed a passionate attribute to do His Father's work. He came to dwell among ordinary folks with a mission: to reveal His Father's will - that all mankind would be saved through Him.

Through the incident in the Temple courts today, Mary saw that there was something more important to her young son than their familiar Jewish customary practices. Though she had spent three days looking for Him, Jesus assured them that He was fine. Pondering on this and on every event over the years gave her heart a true understanding and compassion for His mission. He was no longer just her son, but her Lord and Savior of the world. Her role was to be there for Him and for all who would believe in Him and so to continue His mission.

Today, we honour the Immaculate Heart of Mary, that treasured, pondered, and magnified the wonders that the Lord had done in her life (v51). This is the attitude that we, as Jesus' disciples, should imbibe. Reading "Everyone who heard Him was amazed at His understanding and His answers" (v47) today, we continue to make God's astonishing love known in the customary minded world, wherever we are. Praying for the world to grow in compassion, we take heart it is through our union with Christ, that God's love will transform the world.