When Someone has to go

PRAYER FOR THE WEEK

Jesus, help me to stay calm when adults in my life have to leave for a while. Amen!


WHEN SOMEONE HAS TO GO

"If you love me, listen to my teachings," Jesus told the Apostles. "Then God will come and live in your heart. I'm leaving you soon to go back to heaven, but if you love me, don't be afraid. Remember,I'm going to be with my Father - and the Holy Spirit will still be with you, even after I'm in heaven."

When adults leave, kids can get all mixed up. Whether your teacher announces that she's having a baby and will be out for a while, your parents go away for the weekend or you're just left with a babysitter for an evening, you might feel scared and upset.

You worry that something will happen to the adults while they're away. You worry that your routine won't go as smoothly without them. You worry that the subsitute will treat you badly. It's not just about the adults; you're really concerned about what will happen to you or change for you!

This week's Gospel (John 14:23-29) is about Jesus going away. He knows He's going to be crucified and die soon, and He knows that His friends are scared to death themselves!

They're scared about Him being hurt or killed; they're scared they might get killed themselves. Mostly, they're scared about what life will be like without Jesus. They got used to having Him around.

When adults leave your life for a while, they can usually tell if you're scared about it. They say reassuring things, explaining when they'll be back and reminding you that other adults are there for you in the meantime. Eventually, you feel better.

Jesus reassured the Apostles, too. He reminded them that God would never leave them (or us), even when Jesus was back in heaven; He reminded them that the Holy Spirit would be with them always. He especially reminded them to love each other. People who stay close to God are better at reassuring each other things will be okay!