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PRAYER FOR THE WEEK
Jesus, help me be responsible with money! Amen.

"A man had two sons," Jesus said. "He gave them some money. One stayed home, but the other ran away and spent it all. He got so poor he fed pigs to live. Finally, he went home. 'Father, I've sinned,' the boy said. 'Don't call me your son.' But the father wouldn't listen: 'Let's have a party!' he cried. The good son was angry. His father said, 'You know I love you, but we had to celebrate. Your brother was lost, and now he's found!'"

Most families work hard to save money these days. You probably think hard before buying something to decide whether you really need it. No one wants to waste money.

Of course, there are times when spending a little more than usual is OK: a birthday, a vacation or a special celebration. This week's Gospel (Luke 15:1-32) is about one of those times.

The older son in the Gospel story was a "saver." He worked hard and didn't expect to get any money until he inherited it from his father someday. The younger son was a "spender." He asked for money right away and didn't think about whether he needed things; he wasted it all.

When you get used to saving money, it can get hard to spend some! The younger son got so ashamed, he was going to ask to work on his father's farm like a stranger. When his father welcomed him home and threw a party, he was shocked - and so was his brother. The older son couldn't see why money had to be spent on a party.

Saving money is important - which is what the younger son learned. But there are times when it's OK to spend a little on a gift or a party - which the older son learned. Gifts don't have to be big or expensive; they're just a symbol of love. Like the two sons, it's important to learn when to save, when to spend and how to balance those things! [[In-content Ad]]

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