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PRAYER FOR THE WEEK
Jesus, help me to show my "other sides" more often! Amen.

Jesus, Peter, James and John went up a mountain. All of a sudden, Jesus' face and clothes got as bright as the sun! Moses and Elijah, famous rophets, appeared with Jesus, and God's voice said, "This is my beloved Son. Listen to Him." Then the light went away and the disciples were alone with Jesus. "Don't talk about this until I'm in heaven," Jesus told them.

There are different sides to every person. Maybe people think of you as a tough kid, but you love animals and talk baby-talk to your dog. Maybe you want to be an artist someday, but your favorite subjects in school are still science and math.

This week's Gospel (Matthew 17:1-9) talks about Jesus' different sides. He came into the world as a person like everyone else; He had friends and fun, and also doubts and fears. In the Gospel story, He goes off with friends because He knows He's going to die soon, and He's scared and needs to pray about it.

That's when a different side of Jesus comes out. He's obviously talking to His Father in heaven - and it shows! Jesus suddenly looks the way He might in heaven, as bright and shining as the sun.

When a different side of you comes out, it might surprise people. Who knew that shy kid could take the lead role in the school play, or that tough kid would cuddle a purring kitten so gently?

When Jesus' "other side" came out, His faith showed through. It gave Him courage to face what was coming - and it showed His friends something that gave them faith, too.

Other sides can be negative, like when you're secretly judging people. Other sides can also be positive - for instance, when you're in a scary situation like Jesus was, and your courage and faith suddenly shines through.[[In-content Ad]]

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