An Unusual Bedtime Storybook

A couple of  nights ago, the five-year-old handed me a book he chose as a bedtime story - the Stations of the Cross by Fr. Lovasik.  All the talk of early Lent preparations might be the impetus for this so I told him that if he really wanted this book then I will read it to him.  Truth be told, we've had this on our shelf for years, unread and possibly even untouched.  We use a couple different books/pamphlets to pray the stations but we have not used this one.

I've sometimes (wrongfully) dismissed some children's (catechism) book as lightweight or benignly inadequate, sweet for children with not much theological bite which gives me the opportunity to pontificate.  So imagine my surprise when not even halfway through this book I am trying to control my emotions so I'm not bawling over a bedtime story to my child! This tiny book, geared for children got me so choked up I don't think I've ever prayed as earnestly as I did after reading it.

The following morning I decided this was going to be our topic for Religion.  I read it to the children and offered some reflection as fitting.  My oldest was teary-eyed, the middle-child was mesmerized and the girl was solemn (she's hardly ever solemn!).  They were so taken by the beautiful and heartbreaking imagery in words. It was probably our longest Religion class ever (with no one complaining!)

It is helping reinforce our Lenten preparations over here, for that I am so thankful.

Last night, I asked the child why he wants to keep reading this book every night.  The beauty of his answer struck a chord in me: "mom, every time you read this book I feel closer to Him"
 
And that's exactly how I feel!

treasure in a small bundle