Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: May 21,2026

NOTE: For the remaining days of May, I will feature a Scripture text involving Mary as tribute to her in this her month as the Mother of our Savior.

LECTIO - Read Scripture Text:   Luke 2:41-52

Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the Passover. And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem as was the custom of the feast. When they had fulfilled the days, they returned, but unbeknownst to Joseph and his mother, Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem.

They went a day’s journey out, assuming that He was traveling in the company, but when they sought Him among their kinsfolk and acquaintances, they did not find Him, and they turned back to Jerusalem in search of Him. And it came to pass that after three days, they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the elders, listening to them and asking questions. All who heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers.

When they found Him, they were amazed. His mother said to Him, “Son, why have you behaved this way with us? Your father and I have searched for you in distress.” And He answered them, “How is it that you sought me? Did you not know that I must be about my Father’s business?”

They did not understand his answer. He returned with them to Nazareth and was obedient to them. And his mother kept all these things in her heart. And Jesus advanced in wisdom and age and favor before God and man.

MEDITATIO - Meditate on text, allow the LORD to touch us with His Word:

BREAKING OPEN THE TEXT:

This singular short account from Jesus’ childhood in the Gospel of Luke foreshadows Jesus’ mission and underscores Jesus’ divine sonship for Mary who once again “kept all these things in her heart.”

ORATIO – Lifting our minds and hearts to the LORD in prayer:

LORD, Almighty Father, I come to You as has our Blessed Mother, Mary, in wonderment and in need of understanding your power and presence at work in my life. Send your Spirit to help me to open up the mysteries of life as they unfold on my journey in this life as a believer in Jesus Christ, your only-begotten Son, and as a disciple in the modern world. Grant that through prayer, I may discern your will at work and embrace it with loving joy as I seek to participate in your beloved Son’s ongoing salvific action in the world today. I ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

CONTEMPLATIO – Sitting with the LORD in silence for a minute or more