Where would they go?

Jesus, help me remember that even when it's a scary time, my parents love me! Amen.

Jesus told all His followers that He came from heaven. Many didn't believe Him and even stopped following Him. Jesus asked the Apostles, "Are you going to leave me, too?" "Where would we go?" Peter answered. "We know that you came from God."

Divorce is a scary word. If your parents have gotten a divorce and your whole family doesn't live in the same house any more, you probably went through a time where you wondered if both your parents loved you.

It takes a long time for kids to get over a divorce and a lot of reassurance from your parents that it isn't about you. They love you; they just can't stay married to each other any more. But you need to hear that a whole bunch of times to believe it and start feeling better.

This week's Gospel (John 6:60-69) might help kids of divorced parents who are still worried about the future. In the Gospel story, Jesus has watched some people who used to follow Him turn away because they don't agree with what He's teaching.

Even Jesus needs reassurance sometimes. He asks His Apostles, His closest friends, "Are you going to leave me, too?" That's a question a lot of kids ask parents during a divorce.

But the Apostles come right back with the same kind of answer your parents probably give you: "Where would we go? We know you came from God."

That's a fancy way of saying, "We're not going anywhere. We love you." The Apostles are like Jesus' family, loving Him even during hard times...just like your parents never stop loving you.