Getting Jesus' attention

Mister Rogers sings a song that goes: "Just for once, I want you all to myself." Lots of kids would agree with that: Sometimes, you just want a grownup all to yourself. You want to go out with your dad without your little brother tagging along; you wish your teacher could just pay attention to you instead of the whole class.

People in Jesus' time were like that. They wanted Jesus "all to themselves" -- and in this week's Gospel (Luke 4:21-30), they find out they can't have Him!

Jesus was teaching at the temple, and people hoped He'd do some miracles. Then Jesus said, "Prophets are never accepted in their own hometowns" -- that He came not just for those people, but for everyone from all countries and religions. The people got angry. They dragged Jesus outside and tried to throw Him off a mountain, but He disappeared.

It's hard to get a grownup all to yourself. They're always busy, and they tell you to play with other kids instead of playing with you themselves. When you get a little attention, it feels so good!

The people in Jesus' town were proud of Him at first. They thought they had Him all to themselves, to do miracles and give them all His attention. When He taught at the temple, they were so excited!

Even if you get a grownup's attention, after a while, they have to do other things. You feel angry, but you can't make them stay. Jesus had other things to do, too. He didn't just come to teach a few people; He had to save the whole world! But the people got mad and tried to hurt Him.

Getting a grownup all to yourself can be hard, but you can have fun even for a few minutes: eating cookies with your mom, having your teacher check your work or saying hello to a priest at your church.

That's what people in Jesus' town needed to learn: that even if Jesus couldn't stay forever, they could learn a lot while He was around! Jesus has lots of people to help, but He always has a few minutes for someone who needs Him.

PRAYER FOR THE WEEK: Jesus, help me remember that you're one grownup who always has time for me! Amen

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