Sometimes a visual aid is very helpful in conveying the realities of our faith. One of our Lenten traditions that we are revisiting this year is our Cross of Mercy. We start with a large cross on the wall, simply made by taping together sheets of brown construction paper.
The idea is to cover the brown cross with colorful flowers representing our works of mercy and sacrifices. Everyone writes their offerings on the flowers and glues them on the cross. Sometimes blank flowers are added if a person wishes to keep the sacrifice private. We print out lists of the Spiritual and Corporal Works of Mercy and put them on the wall near the cross. We splurged on a large paper punch this year, so it is easy to keep a little basket containing colored flowers, a pen, and a glue stick handy. I suggested using hearts this year for a change, but the children wanted to use flowers again (tradition!). You can also add the Scripture verse, Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me Matthew 25:40, either somewhere on or near the cross.
This is what our cross looks like now. There are many, many daily opportunities within the family to perform works of mercy: comforting the crying (baby), feeding the hungry (toddler), giving drink (tea) to the thirsty (mom), clothe the naked (babies with crocheted hats), forgive (boisterous brother) injuries - the possibilities are endless.
Our hope is that by the time Easter arrives, there won't be any more brown paper visible. Our cross serves as a constant reminder of our call to mercy, and that our good works and sacrifices can be united to the Cross of Christ.
This is a lovely idea. I am going to put it in my file for next year!
Posted by: matilda | February 27, 2007 at 08:01 AM
This is a great idea, Kimberlee!
Posted by: Suzanne Temple | February 27, 2007 at 11:12 PM
I love this-- and my 3 year old Josiah adored your Josiah's birthday outfit. I check here every week!
Posted by: Faith | March 01, 2007 at 02:13 PM
Hi - Just happened across your blog and wanted to tell you that this cross is beautiful. I will file it away to do with the children in the future. Thanks for sharing! :o)
Posted by: Kristin | March 01, 2007 at 10:52 PM
I REALLY LOVE this project. Thanks for this wonderful idea. I hope to make next year. I love it!!!
Posted by: Ruth Tucker | March 03, 2007 at 07:09 PM