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PRAYER FOR THE WEEK
Jesus, help me understand that simple things can be the greatest! Amen.


"Teacher," Jesus was asked, "which commandment is the greatest?" He answered: "'Love God with all your heart, soul and mind.' The second-greatest is like it: 'Love others as well as you love yourself.'"

This month, a lot of kids are stopping in Halloween stores, trying on fancy masks and dreaming - sometimes even begging - to get them. But most families don't spend tons of money on a mask you'll only wear for a few hours. You make a costume or buy a simpler one from a less expensive store - and it's just as good!

The point of a Halloween costume is the fun, not the cost. Simple costumes can be the best ones, because you use your imagination to create them.

This week's Gospel (Matthew 22:34-40) is also about simple things. There are only 10 Commandments to begin with, but Jesus is asked what the greatest one is. So, He breaks the commandments down to the simplest, best things to remember: Love God and each other.

What was your favorite Halloween costume ever? Chances are, it wasn't the most expensive one, but the one you had the most fun making or wearing. Some fancy costumes are itchy or uncomfortable, or people don't understand what you're supposed to be.

Some of what Jesus taught was confusing to people, too. Even the 10 Commandments could seem like a lot to remember or understand. Jesus was smart to give something easy to remember (even though it can be hard to love people when you're mad or they're not acting lovable)!

Make this year's Halloween costume your greatest one, whatever it is, just by having fun with it. Make Jesus' greatest commandments a big part of your life, too. Love God; love people; love life - and have fun on Halloween![[In-content Ad]]

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