We continue our reflection on the fourth Spiritual Work of Mercy, Comfort the Sorrowful.  This week we will focus on how we can help our children express their sympathy in action.  We are often more comfortable doing something when someone is experiencing sorrow than saying something.  What do you do for friends and family when they are mourning that model for your children ‘comfort the sorrowful’?

Many people make a meal for a family that has lost a loved one.  Involving your child by having him or her make cookies or brownies would be a concrete way for them to be involved in that action.  Oftentimes we send a Mass card or a sympathy card.  Bring your child with you to run that errand and have him or her pick a card to send as well.  The message the child writes can be as simple as ‘you are in my thoughts and prayers’.  If a family that is grieving has children, you and your children could arrange for a trip to the park to play with them to give the parents some time.

This week we want to be intentional about helping our children see ways that they can comfort a grieving friend or family member so that they learn how to live out empathy and compassion.