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PRAYER FOR THE WEEK
Jesus, teach me not to do things I'll get "called out" for! Amen.

After Jesus died, the Apostles stayed in a room to talk about it. They locked the door, but, suddenly, Jesus came in anyway! "Peace be with you," He said, and gave them the power to forgive sins. One Apostle, Thomas, wasn't there - and didn't believe the others saw Jesus. Later, Jesus came back when Thomas was there. "Peace be with you - and, Thomas, believe in me," He said. So Thomas did!

Not many things are more embarrassing than being "called out" in front of people. Even if you're in trouble for a small thing, it feels huge when an adult (or kid) points you out and scolds you. Everyone looks at you, and you get so uncomfortable, you want to cry or hide!

In this week's Gospel (John 20:1931), Thomas is "called out." Jesus has done the most amazing thing ever - after being crucified, He comes back to life - but Thomas happens to be out when Jesus appears. And Thomas, who's supposed to be one of Jesus' most faithful followers, says he doesn't believe Jesus is really back!

Sometimes, you're called out unfairly by an adult or a kid over something that really isn't a big deal. It would have been better to talk to you privately instead of calling you out in front of everyone. But if you're doing something major or dangerous, getting called out might make you uncomfortable, but it will probably mean you don't get in trouble for the same thing again.

For Thomas, getting called out by Jesus snapped him out of his denial. Thomas had been sassy, declaring he wouldn't believe in Jesus until he saw Him - then Jesus appeared. There was nothing left to say. Thomas had refused to believe in Jesus; it was one time he deserved to be called out - and it worked! Thomas felt embarrassed, and he immediately believed.[[In-content Ad]]

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