When God spoke through her husband Mary obeyed him and took the child and went with him to Egypt. An ideal wife should pray to God to grant through the husband proper place, environment and protection needed for the family. Both Mary and Joseph went together to present Jesus in the Temple. From this we learn that parents should be united in bringing children according to Divine Will. It is good for children's spiritual growth if parents accompany the children in going to Church festivals. "They went to the festival as usual"(Lk.2:42).

The parents must pray and make sincere effort to instill in their children interest and attraction for holy matters. Instruct them in divine things from their childhood. When Jesus was only twelve years of age the temple authorities were dismayed at his replies. Later He had to face a lot of trials. Like Jesus up to about thirty years children will go through severe trials and temptations. They will have to face temptations from the devil, from worldly desires, greed for power and concupiscence of the flesh.

In these circumstances the parents must be there to strengthen the children. It is necessary that parents should help, protect and pray for the children to overcome the devil's temptations. They must stand by them in their success and failures. Mary was with Jesus during his ministry and His passion and death. The Word of God and the help of the Holy Spirit are necessary to overcome the devil. Children must be taught and reminded of the desert experience of Jesus.

If you lead a family life in this manner your children will be blessed. Through your children you and your posterity will receive glory before God. There has never been a son like Jesus; and there have never been parents comparable to those of Jesus. Try to bring up your children in the Love of God like Jesus and pray for the fruits of divine grace.