WITH GOD, WII CAN DO IT

Jesus, help me work on having a strong and healthy body! Amen.

Jesus taught: "Only people who do God's will can go to heaven. Everyone who listens to me will be like a man who built his house on a rock: Floods and wind came, but the house didn't collapse. Those who don't listen will be like someone who builds a house on sand: When floods and wind come, it falls apart."

There's probably at least one kid in your class who owns a Wii. Even adults are playing the games now, because all the movement you have to do is good exercise. It might be the first video game ever that grownups don't complain you spend too much time playing!

The reason people of all ages like the Wii is that, when you're playing, you're not just sitting like a lump and staring at the screen; you're moving as if you're bowling, playing soccer or boxing. You're getting fit, which is important, while having fun.

Why is getting fit so important? One clue is in this week's Gospel (Matthew 7:21-27).

In the Gospel story, Jesus talks about two men: one who built a house on sturdy rocks, and another who built his house on sand. Obviously, the one with the "rock-solid" foundation is the one that doesn't fall down in a storm!

Your body is like those houses. Whether you're playing Wii or a real-life sport, you need to develop strong bones and muscles so you can move around easily, grow and keep health problems away.

Kids who sit around staring at a TV or video screen all day aren't getting enough exercise. Like a house on sand, their bodies aren't going to be strong enough to do what's needed in living life.

Of course, Jesus' story is really about listening and doing God's will. Part of that is taking good care of the body God gave you; another part is trying to be a good person and treat others well.

So, go play Wii -- but remember to give everyone a turn!

(05/29/08)