Pope St. John Paul II, in his apostolic exhortation Familiaris Consortio, describes the family as “the first and vital cell of society.” On a late Spring afternoon our family set out along with many hundreds of others for a festival on the banks of what we call in Memphis the American Nile. With blankets, picnic basket, cooler and children in tow, we claimed a spot to await the sunset music and fireworks to follow. The children of course grew restless, playing and exploring in ever wider circles. Then we realized that our youngest daughter had disappeared. Anxiety, desperation, panic seized us as we searched for her near the very edge of the mighty Mississippi. We finally found her safe at an aid station, happily nibbling on cookies and talking to the first responders. The sunset, concert and sing along choruses of the spiritual Ole Man River, were especially joyful for us that year. Nearly two millennia before, a great many families gathered in Jerusalem from near and far for the most important annual festival of Passover. Mary, Joseph and child Jesus had made the long journey with extended family and friends. On the first day heading back home to Nazareth the parents were suddenly aware that Jesus was not with them in the caravan. Imagine the terror that seized Mary and Joseph as they looked everywhere for their only child and at last the utter relief when they found him. Amid joyful embraces Jesus tells them, “Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” Mary and Joseph may not have fully understood all that meant at the time, but they knew in their hearts that their child, Jesus, was more than special. He was to change the entire world for all time.