Getting attention from Jesus

This week's Gospel (Luke 15:1-3,11-32) talks about "good kids" and "bad kids" -- and says that God doesn't think that way about us.

"A man had two sons," Jesus said. "One said, `Give me half your money.' Then he ran away and spent it all! He was so poor he had to clean pigpens. Finally, the son went back and said, ashamed, `I don't deserve to be called your son. Treat me like a servant.' But his father hugged him and had a party! The other son was angry that his brother got attention after being bad, but his father said, `All I have is yours, but we had to celebrate. Your brother was lost, and now he's found!'"

If you're trying to be good, it helps when people see that. It isn't easy to set the table when your sister won't, or be nice to your little brother instead of hitting him when he bugs you!

The son who stayed home in the story was like you. When his brother ran away, the "good" son helped his father on the farm. He probably hoped his father saw how good he was and would remember it.

Sometimes, though, it feels like people only see the "bad" kids. Your sister gets lots of attention when she's in trouble. You wish your parents would spend time with you for being good!

The "good" son didn't understand why his brother got attention, either. Then his father said, "I didn't forget you. I'm glad your brother is finally being good, but I love you just as much!"

Being good is hard when you don't get attention for it. But Jesus wanted us to know that even when your parents aren't giving you attention, He always is. Jesus sees everything you do, and when you're good, He's proud of you -- and your sister!

PRAYER FOR THE WEEK: Jesus, help me remember that you're giving me all the attention I could ever want! Amen.

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