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PRAYER FOR THE WEEK
Jesus, help me share whatever I have, especially when I don't want to. Amen!

Jesus told this story: "A rich man had a big farm. 'I know what to do with all the food!' he thought. 'I'll store it and then party, because I'll have food for years!' But God said, 'You fool! You're going to die tonight. What will happen to all you saved up?'" Jesus finished, "That's what happens when people hoard everything, but aren't rich in what matters to God. Don't worry about what you'll eat or wear. Birds and flowers don't, and God takes care of them!"

Little kids often have to be taught to share. When they want something, they may not think about letting another kid play with it or wear it. Food is especially tricky, because it's hard to explain the importance of "sharing" something that will disappear once it's eaten!

Sharing food is the subject of this week's Gospel (Luke 12:13-21). Like a kid, the rich man thinks his decision not to share his food makes sense: He'll have enough for himself and his friends, and never have to worry about running out. It doesn't occur to him that other people need food.

Teaching a little kid to share isn't about a toy, dress-up outfit or cookie. Little kids need to learn about sharing so they'll be kinder, more giving people when they grow up.

Jesus especially wanted us to share food. He knew there are many people in the world who don't have enough to eat, and many others, like the rich man, who have lots more than they need. Jesus wanted people to be kind and giving, even with food.

Even little kids know that if they don't share, other kids won't want to be around them. The opposite is also true: Jesus said that, if you share whatever you have, other people will be happy to share with you when you're the one in need.

Sharing food is hard. Watching a cookie disappear into the mouth of another kid when you want it takes strength! But Jesus promised that, if we share, God will take care of us. There will be enough![[In-content Ad]]

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