Catholic Activity: The "Now Cross"

To drive home St. Paul's words, Behold, now is the acceptable time; behold, now is the day of salvation (2 Cor 6:2), which express the core imperative of the Lenten season, we use a NOW CROSS. It points up the necessity of spiritual action so that our family may share in the renewal with Christ.

DIRECTIONS

Behold, now is the acceptable time; Behold, now is the day of salvation

To drive home St. Paul’s words, the core imperative of the Lenten season, we use a NOW CROSS. It points up the necessity of spiritual action so that our family may share in the renewal with Christ. Cut from a single large sheet of purple construction paper available at stationery stores, the cross has glued on its crossarms in two inch letters: N-O-W. These are cut out of dark red construction paper and outlined in white by chalk or by one size-larger white letters. The back cover of this booklet provides a model.

This cross helps us to grow in a Christly spirit of giving, to balance our Lenten giving (not "giving up"). It is placed where it may do the most good for the moment: at the main entrance the cross is a reminder to all upon entering, leaving, or going upstairs; on the refrigerator it is a warning to forego snacks and to our "poor eaters" to take something extra as a sacrifice; on the television screen it is a signal that programs are to be curtailed for something better.

In children’s rooms, over their desks, the cross reminds them of prayer pledged, of promptness when they are called. Our choir boy has one; it reminds him, as Lent drags, that the grueling hours of practice done cheerfully "now" are a sacrifice that during Holy Week will "bloom" in the music and liturgy of our parish church.

To teenagers the NOW CROSS is a reminder to pass up not only candy and coke, but more important to avoid the fleeting fun of impurity, to turn promptly from the fascination that evil exercises.

To parents the NOW CROSS could serve as a voice reminding them for forty days of their privilege to implant in their family a deep affection for the first and greatest commandment "to love the Lord, our God."

Children may make their own NOW CROSSES at home. In the school Sister or teacher can help them cut N-O-W from a pattern for a more handsome design.

Activity Source: Holy Lent by Eileen O'Callaghan, The Liturgical Press, Collegeville, Minnesota, 1975