Look for true colors

Have you ever known someone you thought was a nice person -- until you found out they were saying mean things about you? You probably felt angry and sad, and didn't want to be friends any more.

The same thing can happen with people you don't like. You might think a bus driver is scary until he tells a joke or hate someone in class until you find out she helps people at a soup kitchen.

In this week's Gospel (Matthew 17:1-9), it even happens to Jesus' friends. They thought they knew Him, but they find out something that changes everything: They see that Jesus is really God!

Jesus, Peter, James and John went up a mountain. All of a sudden, Jesus' face and clothes got brighter and brighter, as bright as the sun! Moses and Elijah, famous prophets, appeared with Jesus, and God's voice said, "This is my beloved Son. Listen to Him." Then the light went away and the disciples were alone with Jesus. "Don't talk about this until I'm in heaven," Jesus told them.

Jesus' friends really saw Jesus' true colors. They knew Jesus as a person, but then they got to see what Jesus looked like as God!

Seeing someone's true colors probably means you'll treat them differently -- like being nicer to the kid you teased in class after you find out she works hard to help other people.

Jesus showed His disciples His true colors so they'd treat Him differently, too. Peter, James and John didn't really believe Jesus was God until they saw Him get bright and heard God's voice. Now, Jesus hoped they'd listen to what He taught about God!

When you see someone you don't like, it's good to think about what their true colors might be. After all, even Jesus just looked like a regular guy -- but to God, His true colors were as bright and beautiful as the sun!

PRAYER FOR THE WEEK: Jesus, help me remember to look for people's true colors! Amen.

(02-25-99)