The evangelist Luke says about the child Jesus: “He was subject to them” (Luke 2:51). Who is the greatest: Jesus Christ or Saints Mary and Joseph? There is no comparison between incarnate Word of God, the Creator, and Saints Mary and Joseph; and yet He submitted to them. This was not out of servility, but rather, with a spirit of love and strength He conversed with them. When St. Mary reprimanded Him, saying, “Son, why have You done this to us? Look, Your father and I have sought You anxiously” (Luke 2:48), He answered her, “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?” (Luke 2:49). With wisdom, delicacy, and boldness the Boy spoke with His mother, explaining that He had a divine, heavenly message that they could not understand at that time.
A person’s greatness does not lie in issuing orders or prohibitions, but rather in being constantly focused on his mission and working diligently to fulfil it. Thus, he neither seeks authority nor fears obedience and submission in a spirit of wisdom and discernment.
A little child who does not understand his mission becomes angry often and easily. But this is all a sign of his immaturity and his lack of awareness or appreciation of his mission. But the mature person fulfils his mission with a spirit of obedience, submission, delicacy, and civility. These are the signs of true maturity and greatness.