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PRAYER FOR THE WEEK
Jesus, teach me to talk about my hobbies and interests, so I can find people who share them - and to always talk to you. Amen!

Jesus talked to God the Father, saying: "Although you have hidden things from the wise, you have shown them to people who are childlike. I know you like no one else does. Everyone who is tired and feels burdened and weighed down, come to me, and I will give you rest. My burden is light."

Do you have a special hobby or interest? Whether it's trains or telling stories, if you have something you're really into, you probably know a lot more about it than other people.

Sometimes, trying to explain to others what makes your hobby interesting can be frustrating. They aren't as into your hobby as you are, so they may not understand.

This week's Gospel (Matthew 11:25-30) is like that. Jesus is at prayer, talking to God the Father. Jesus, of course, knows His Father better than anyone, like you know all about your special interests -- and, like you, He sometimes has a hard time explaining who God is to people who aren't really listening.

If you talk passionately about a hobby and see that the person you're talking to isn't interested, you have two choices: Find someone else who is interested, or explain why your hobby is important to you and let the person decide whether to keep listening.

That's what Jesus did. He didn't force people to get close to God the Father like He was, but He talked about God and invited everyone to find out more. Jesus especially invited people who were tired and had a lot on their plates to try prayer. "Unburdening" ourselves to God helps us feel lighter, He said.

Your hobby may interest you more than other people you meet, but it's fine to try talking to them about it. Eventually, you may find someone as excited about it as you.

Jesus did that, too. He talked with God the Father about His worries, but He kept teaching people He met about God, too. Jesus knew He'd find some people who shared His "special interest!"[[In-content Ad]]

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