When we can yell

Nobody likes yelling. It's annoying, and it can even be scary. So why do so many people do it?

Yelling isn't the best way, but it is one way to get someone's attention. If your dad is on the phone and ignoring you, he'll turn around quick if you yell. If your mom told you to do something and you didn't listen, getting yelled at might get you moving!

Even God yells sometimes -- like in this week's Gospel (Matthew 17:1-9). God the Father calls down from heaven to get the disciples' attention!

Jesus, Peter, James and John went up a mountain. All of a sudden, Jesus' face and clothes got as bright as the sun! Moses and Elijah, famous prophets, appeared with Jesus, and God's voice said, "This is my beloved Son. Listen to Him." Then the light went away and the disciples were alone with Jesus. "Don't talk about this until I'm in heaven," Jesus told them.

Shouting isn't usually a good way to solve a problem. You know yelling hurts your ears and can hurt your feelings, too.

That's why God doesn't usually holler. When Jesus came down to earth, He didn't go around screaming at people. He just quietly taught them about God and asked them to follow Him.

When is it good to yell? One time is when you're hurt. If you need help in a hurry, yelling is one way to get it -- even if your dad's on the phone!

When Jesus was on earth, God needed the disciples' help to get people to follow Him. Even Peter, James and John themselves weren't sure Jesus was God -- so God the Father yelled down from heaven to get their attention!

God told them Jesus was His Son and they should do what He said. Now, that's one good way of using yelling!

PRAYER FOR THE WEEK: Jesus, help me yell only when I have to -- and to listen when you're calling me! Amen.