Happy Friday, friends! β¨
This week the Church gives us a feast that sounds a little unusual at first: we celebrate the Cross. Not Good Friday's sorrow, but something closer to triumph β the Cross lifted up, honored, even glorified.
It's a strange kind of celebration until you remember what the Cross actually means for us: the very thing meant to bring shame and defeat became the place where love won. That's a beautiful truth for little hearts to start absorbing early, even in simple terms.
"May I never boast of anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which[a] the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world." - Galations 6:14
Monday, September 14 β Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross
This feast traces back to the year 326, when St. Helena β the mother of Emperor Constantine β traveled to Jerusalem and is said to have discovered the True Cross of Christ. A church was built on the site, and the next day, the Cross was brought outside for the faithful to see and venerate. That "lifting up" of the Cross for the whole world to honor is what we still celebrate today.
What to tell a preschooler: "A long time ago, something very sad β the cross Jesus died on β was found again, and everyone was so happy, because they remembered that Jesus's love was stronger than anything sad or scary. Now, whenever we see a cross, it reminds us how much Jesus loves us."
Virtue to Notice: Love
The Cross shows us love that goes all the way β love that doesn't stop, even when things are hard. This week, notice love that "goes all the way" in small family moments: comforting a sibling even when you're tired, choosing kindness after a hard day. That's the same love the Cross points to, just in miniature.
A simple faith practice for preschooler: make the Sign of the Cross slowly, on purpose.
This week, instead of rushing through it, pause before meals or prayers and make the Sign of the Cross slowly together, naming each part: "In the name of the Father... and of the Son... and of the Holy Spirit." You might also trace a small cross on your child's forehead at bedtime as a blessing, saying:
"Jesus, thank you for loving us all the way to the Cross. Help us love like that too."
This week's theme of love that "goes all the way" connects beautifully to the sacraments β moments where God's love meets your child in a real, tangible way. Manna & Mercy: First Sacraments Unit Study walks your family through Reconciliation and First Communion in a way even your youngest can understand, and it's a resource you'll return to year after year.
Responses