Keep saying `I love you'

In this week's Gospel (John 21:1-14), Jesus and His best friends, the Apostles, never use the words "I love you" -- but they say they love each other in lots of other ways!

Seven Apostles went fishing but caught nothing. Then they saw a man standing on the beach, who said, "Children, have you caught nothing to eat? Throw your nets there, and you will." The Apostles caught 153 fish! Then they knew the man was Jesus, alive again. Peter got so excited, he jumped off the boat and swam to Jesus! Jesus cooked breakfast for the Apostles, and they all shared the food together.

That's what Jesus did. In the Gospel story, He didn't come back to life and yell from the beach, "Hey, Apostles! I love you!" He did the little things people do for others every day -- helped them get some food and made breakfast for them.

If you think of saying "I love you" that way, lots of people have shown they love you! Your parents bought food for your breakfast. Your teacher decided what to teach you. Maybe a friend asked how you're doing. Those are all ways to say, "I love you!"

When Jesus showed the Apostles without words that He loved them, they did the same thing: They took his advice about where to fish (listening to someone is a good way to show love), and Peter even jumped in a lake with his clothes on to swim over and hug Jesus!

You can do that, too, starting right now. See how many times you can say "I love you" in one day -- with or without words!

PRAYER FOR THE WEEK: Jesus, help me see all the ways I'm loved, and do the same thing myself! Amen.