Looking for you

Jesus, teach me to come when I'm called! Amen.

Jesus went to Simon and Andrew's house, where Simon's mother-in-law was sick. He took her hand, and she was well again! Then everyone in town who was sick came to Jesus, and He healed them all. Jesus went out alone to pray, but His followers told Him, "Everyone's looking for you." Jesus said, "Let's go to other towns." He traveled all over, teaching and healing wherever He went.

"Mom's looking for you," your brother tells you. Maybe you stop what you're doing right away and go to find out what she wants...or maybe you shut your bedroom door, hoping she won't find you!

Even Jesus didn't always come when He was called -- but He usually had a good reason. This week's Gospel (Mark 1:29-39) talks about one time He "hid out."

If you don't go to your mother when she's looking for you, it could be for a few reasons: You did something wrong and you might be in trouble....You're having fun playing with your Xbox and don't want to stop....You're already doing another chore, like cleaning your room, and your mom might give you even more to do!

Jesus could relate. In the Gospel story, He healed all the sick people He met in a whole city, but that didn't satisfy them. Instead, they got excited and followed Him more. Even when He tried to take a break and pray, they wouldn't leave Him alone.

Finally, Jesus got the Apostles together and said, "We're leaving." Like you, He made Himself scarce so He could relax for a while.

Of course, hiding out from your mom isn't a great idea. She'll find you; and if you're in trouble, it will only make things worse. Besides, she might be looking for you for a good reason!

As for Jesus, He did go to other towns, but He didn't hide out forever; He just started healing the sick and teaching in other places instead. When someone's calling you, you might as well answer and see what they want!