ARE YOU LOST? HOPE IN THE CHILD JESUS | Homily 19 Jan 2025 with Fr. Jerry Orbos | Sto Nino Feast

The story is told about a mother who asked her children at the dining table: “Dear children, who is the most obedient, among you in our house?” They all spontaneously chorused “Dad!”
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Today is the Feast of the Sto Niño, commemorating the Holy childhood of Jesus. In today’s Gospel (Luke 2:41-52), we hear about the 12-year-old Jesus who got lost in the temple because His parents presumed that He was already in the caravan with their relatives and friends. So, who got lost? Jesus remained in the temple. His parents were the ones who left. All too often, it is the parents who are not obedient, and that is why the children get lost.
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Someone once said that there are no problem children; there are only problem parents who were irresponsible, immature, and selfish, and were not ready to raise their children with their loving presence and committed love.
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There are many “broken” families, and it is the children who suffer most. The child is not the reason why families are broken, and it is the child that is most broken when their parents break up, for whatever reason. Restoration is possible. Healing happens when in humility and honestly, we seek the presence and love of God in our families. Give peace a chance. Give God a chance!
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It is interesting to note that Joseph and Mary both presumed that the boy Jesus was among the relatives and acquaintances in the caravan on their way home. There is no substitute for the personal presence and love of parents for the children. The care for the children cannot be substituted by others. It is nontransferable, as far as possible. But having said that, we also acknowledge the invaluable role of generous and willing people who help fill up whatever love is lacking in broken homes and dysfunctional relationships.
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There are valid reasons why marriages don’t work or why families are broken, but it is never a