Games can be fun -- or frustrating. Sometimes, you play so well, you know before the game is over that you'll win. But other times, you know before you've played very long that you're going to lose!
In this week's Gospel (Luke 8:16-18), Jesus talks about a special "game" -- learning about and following God, so we can go to heaven. He even gives hints on how to win the game:
"No one hides a lamp under a basket," Jesus said. "She puts it on a table, so everyone can see its light. In the same way, everyone will soon see the secrets I've told you about God -- so be careful to listen to me! To all who have, more will be given; but for those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away."
Winning some games just means you're lucky: You got the right spin of the wheel, or chose the right card. You don't have to be good at the game to win.
Some people were lucky with Jesus, too. They heard everything He said and understood that if they followed Him, they would be closer to God. They couldn't wait to tell others about God, too. Like a lamp on a table, that shines its light on everything, they wanted to spread the light of God's love.
Some games take practice. You have to learn the rules, then figure out how to win. You play over and over again, sometimes losing, sometimes winning, until you figure out the best way to win.
Many of Jesus' followers were like that. They heard what He said about God, but it was hard to understand. They practiced being nice to each other, but they didn't always do it well. It took a while for them to remember the rules of Jesus' game.
The best way to win a game is to watch others who play it well and learn from them. Jesus told His followers to watch how close He was to God, and copy Him. To help others get to heaven, He said, they had to act like teachers -- listening to Jesus and touching others like a lamp's light. Those who didn't could lose their chance at going to heaven -- and that's not a game anyone should lose!
PRAYER FOR THE WEEK: Jesus, teach me to play your game as well as I can and to help others learn the rules! Amen.
Return to Home Page