T he Loss Of Jesus In The Temple

How dreadful 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 kinfolk and acquaintances, 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 your confusion, O my soul, who has so often lost your Jesus by your sins, and has given no heed to seek him at once: a sign that you do make of very little or of no account the precious treasure of divine love.

Weep then for your blindness, and turning yourself to that Lady of sighs, your Mother, say with compunction:

Virgin most afflicted, obtain that I may learn from you 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 loves; I held him, and I will not let him go." Amen.

Hail Mary. Virgin Most Sorrowful, pray for us.