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PRAYER FOR THE WEEK
Jesus, help me be truthful about whatever I did this summer, exciting ordinary! Amen.

Some people brought a man to Jesus to be cured. The man was deaf and couldn't talk. Jesus put His fingers in the man's ears, then spat on them and touched the man's tongue, saying, "Open up!" Suddenly, the man could hear and talk! Everyone was amazed at Jesus. "He can do anything!" they said -- but Jesus told them not to mention it.

"How was your summer?" You'll probably be asked that question a lot in the first few weeks of school -- by kids, teachers and everyone else you meet.

If you had a great summer, that's fine; if your summer was bad or just boring, it can be hard to hear other kids talk about vacations, summer camps or swimming. You might even be tempted to add some details to your own summer stories that aren't quite true, just to have something to share!

This week's Gospel (Mark 7:31-37) sure could have been a time for Jesus to share exciting things. He'd just done a miracle, healing a man who couldn't hear or talk. Like a kid who had a great summer, Jesus definitely had something to boast about!

If your summer wasn't full of amazing vacation moments or fun with friends, there's nothing wrong with that. Sometimes, summer is just summer -- a break from school, but not a time bursting with travel plans. Maybe you didn't even get taller like some other kids!

There's no point lying about your summer, either. You'll feel guilty, and you could be the one whose tall tales make other kids feel sad.

If Jesus had wanted to share amazing stories, He wouldn't have had to make them up. He really had done a miracle. Instead, He told everyone not to make a big deal about it. He was just happy to help people.

If Jesus could hold back from boasting, maybe you can, too. Besides, your "everyday summer" is over, and your exciting autumn is beginning![[In-content Ad]]

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