Sacrifice Beads
As a child, St. Therese had “sacrifice beads,” which was a small string of beads to help her count the “presents” she offered to God. Each time she would make a sacrifice such as letting someone else have their way, St. Therese would secretly reach into her pocket and “pull a bead” to Jesus on the Crucifix. Like St. Therese, these sacrifice beads in our pocket can help us to become more aware of offering “presents” to God all day long. Make St. Therese’s sacrifice beads for the children to count their “presents” or sacrifices for God as St. Therese did.
Directions
St. Therese, a Doctor of the Church, has shown the world how to do little things in a grand way. All day long, she did little things to show Jesus how much she loved Him. Therese knew that even the smallest thing in the world, if done for the love of God, is beautiful in God’s eyes. She has taught the whole Church that in all our actions, it’s the intent of our heart that matters the most. Therese offered prayers and sacrifices to Jesus constantly.
So often we are afraid to suffer. We are afraid of the cross. But Jesus tells us, “I am the way, I am the truth, I am the life.” Jesus suffered much throughout His life, and if we are to follow in His footsteps, we will also run into sorrow and pain. The difference is that with Jesus, pain can be transformed into peace and joy. Jesus suffered for a purpose—to open up the gates of Heaven for us. If we stay by Jesus’ side, we, too, will be able to turn pain and suffering into joy for ourselves and others.
Taken from Catholicculture.org