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PRAYER FOR THE WEEK
Jesus, teach me to find ways to share my light, instead of being embarrassed and covering it up! Amen.

"You are the salt of the earth. But if salt loses its flavor, it's no good," said Jesus. "You are the light of the world, and people don't hide lamps under baskets -- they put them on tables to fill the whole house with light. Let your light shine like a lamp, so everyone can see God in you!"

Embarrassment is common for kids. Sometimes, you're even embarrassed when you don't need to be. If you're singled out for being the only one in your class who got an "A" on a social studies test or your teacher holds up the art project you made, you might want to crawl under your desk. What if kids get annoyed that your work is being shown off and theirs isn't?

This week's Gospel (Matthew 5:13-16) talks about that problem. Jesus is saying that everyone has gifts. Whether you're good at social studies, art is easy for you or you're kind to kids who might feel left out, your talents can "flavor" the world by making it better!

Jesus also points out that a lot of people are embarrassed about using their gifts. They don't want to flavor the Earth or let their light shine like a lamp; they want to cover it up so no one judges them or gets annoyed.

One important line in the Gospel story is, "Fill the whole house with light." Jesus was saying that the things you're good at aren't just meant to benefit you. If you're good at social studies, instead of being embarrassed over getting a high grade, form a study group so everyone's grades get better. Instead of ducking your head when your art project is held up, show other kids it's OK to be proud of your work and encourage them to have as much fun with art as you do.

Lamps aren't meant to be covered up. Neither are the ways you can light up your world![[In-content Ad]]

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