“Clothing is more than fashion.”
Our Lenten Journey through the Corporal Works of Mercy continues.
‘Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.’ (Matthew 25:40)
“Everyone in the world needs clothes for warmth, protection, and modesty. Clothing keeps us warm in the elements, protects us as we are working, and gives us modesty to express our dignity. All people are God’s children and are made in God’s image and likeness. That means that all people are lovable and beautiful because God is both love and beauty. We are invited by Jesus, God’s divine Son and our brother, to care for and honour each other as children of God. As brothers and sisters, we are supposed to look out for each other. Clothing is more than fashion. Without suitable clothing people are vulnerable to illness, injury, and abuse. With suitable clothing people are more likely to be healthy, secure, and respected. Having enough clothing to live well is important but hoarding more clothing than we need is selfish. Using clothing to express our personalities is fun but mocking others for how they dress is cruel. When Jesus died on the cross, he was naked because his clothes were stolen, but when his family buried him, they wrapped is body in cloth. They did this because they loved him. We too can love Jesus and each other by helping all people have enough good clothes to wear.
(Fr. Craig Cameron, Archdiocese of Halifax-Yarmouth in Corporal Works of Mercy, Atlantic Liturgical Commission, 2021)
Donating, knitting, tidying: “Your heart, like your closet, will be full”
Our youth on clothing those in need:
Each Sunday of Lent, plus Palm Sunday and Wednesday of Holy Week, we will share a reflection and video to learn of and practise the seven Corporal Works of Mercy:
Feed the Hungry
Give Water to the Thirsty
Clothe the Needy
Shelter the Homeless
Visit the Sick
Visit the Imprisoned
Bury the Dead
The information is based on a new resource prepared by the Atlantic Liturgical Commission, and includes submission from diocesan staff and clergy throughout the Atlantic Provinces.
(Click on the image to download)
We invite you to download the resource and celebrate the prayer services at home. The music, readings, reflections and prayers are provided for you and you may wish simply to use, for example, the YouTube link for the hymn, but if you are able to sing yourselves then that is encouraged. We invite you to use these rituals in ways that work best for you and your situations. That we gather to pray and act is the most important thing.
Watch for our next posting on the Third Sunday of Lent: Shelter the Homeless
