Jesus works all summer

Summer is a good thing, but it's different, too -- and "different" can be scary!

Jesus' friends would understand how you feel. In this week's Gospel (Matthew 28:16-20), they had to do something different: start teaching people about God. That was a good but scary thing!

After Jesus came back from the dead, the 11 Apostles went to Galilee to meet Him. They felt a little scared, but Jesus told them, "Go and teach all people about God, and baptize them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. And remember, I'll always be with you!"

For the Apostles, teaching about God was a good thing for lots of reasons: They were doing what God wanted them to, Jesus would be proud of them, and they got to talk to everyone about the stuff they believed in their hearts.

Leaving school for the summer can be scary and sad because you'll miss your friends. You also got used to getting up and going to school every day. Now, your days will be very different.

In the Gospel story, the Apostles' days were becoming different, too! They used to be fishermen or had other jobs and families, and now, they were going out on their own to teach about Jesus. That was a big change!

For the Apostles and you, it's important to remember whatever you're doing, Jesus is with you. Jesus was listening to their prayers when the Apostles went out to teach, and He's there when you start something new. Jesus never takes a summer vacation!

PRAYER FOR THE WEEK: Jesus, help me remember you're listening whenever I'm scared. Amen!