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PRAYER FOR THE WEEK
Jesus, help me remember that, whatever I'm struggling with, you're listening to my worries and cheering me on! Amen.

"Be happy if you have to work hard to stay close to God," said Jesus. "God's kingdom, heaven, belongs to you. Don't worry if you're sad; God will comfort you. Be happy if you're humble and want to follow God; God will be close to you. Be happy if you forgive other people; God will forgive you. Be happy if you work for peace; you'll be called children of God! Even if people hurt you for believing in God, be happy, because you'll go to heaven."

There are kids who seem to do everything easily. They get top grades, excel at sports, win awards and lots of friends. They even sell the most chocolate bars in the school fundraiser.

If you're not one of those kids, it can be discouraging!

If you're not one of those kids, this week's Gospel (Matthew 5:1-12) is for you. Jesus gives a talk we call the "Beatitudes" -- basically, a list of struggles people might have, along with reassurances that God is close to them in all of those struggles.

Just like there are some kids who seem to easily get good grades, a spot on every team and handfuls of trophies, Jesus saw that there were some adults who seemed to have easy lives. They had enough money, a nice place to live and a good family. They went to church on Sunday and seemed happy enough with that.

Jesus respected kids and adults who have to work harder than that. In the Beatitudes, He said that if you have questions about God, it's OK; God understands and wants to be close to you. If you're sad, God is there to listen to your prayers and comfort you. If you struggle to forgive people who hurt you, but you're trying, God is cheering you on. If you have to work hard because things don't come easily to you, God celebrates your hard work.

People who have things come easily to them aren't always prepared when hard stuff happens. Jesus wanted everyone to help each other along the way. He especially wanted struggling people to know that, while life isn't always easy, God is always there![[In-content Ad]]

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