Today’s Catholic Reflection
Elijah meets Elisha while he is plowing with oxen. Elijah places his cloak over Elisha, signaling a follow him. Elisha asks for permission to say goodbye to his parents. After receiving it, he sacrifices his oxen and uses the equipment for firewood to feed his people. He then leaves everything behind to follow Elijah.
In the Gospel, Jesus' parents go to Jerusalem for the Passover festival when he is twelve. After the festival, they leave, not realizing he has stayed behind. After three days of searching, they find him in the temple, talking with the teachers. Jesus says he must be in his Father's house, though his parents do not fully understand. He goes back to Nazareth with them and remains obedient, while Mary reflects on these events in her heart.