Prayers for all Occasions, Needs, and Intentions

The Loss of Jesus in the Temple

III. The Loss of Jesus in the Temple

How dread was the grief of Mary, when she saw that she had lost her beloved Son! And as if to increase her sorrow, when she sought Him diligently among her kinsfolk and acquaintance, she could hear no tidings of Him.

No hindrances stayed her, nor weariness, nor danger; but she forthwith returned to Jerusalem, and for three long days sought Him sorrowing.

Great be thy confusion, O my soul, who hast so often lost thy Jesus by thy sins, and hast given no heed to seek Him at once, a sign that thou dost make of very little or of no account the precious treasure of divine love. Weep then for thy blindness, and turning thee to that Lady of sighs, thy Mother, say with compunction:

Virgin most afflicted, obtain that I may learn from thee to seek Jesus, when I have lost Him by giving ear to my passions and to the evil suggestions of the devil; obtain that I may find Him again, and when I possess Him once more, that I may ever repeat the words of the Spouse, "I found Him whom my soul loveth; I held Him, and I will not let Him go." Amen.

V. Hail Mary, etc.;

R. Holy Mary, etc.

V. Virgin Most Sorrowful

R. Pray for us.