Lights of Life: Torn Tissue Art Banner
Jesus’ healing of the blind man (Jn 9:1–41), the Gospel reading for the Fourth Sunday of Lent, reminds us that Jesus brings light to our world. This Lights of Life: Torn Tissue Art Banner (originally published in Time Out by Sr. Kieran Sawyer, SSND) can support this message and serve as the backdrop for a prayer reflection that might culminate in the celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Here’s what you need: A piece of heavy white banner paper, large enough for 6 or 8 students to work on at a time Thin black markers A large supply of tissue paper of many bright colors A solution of white liquid glue diluted with water Small paint brushes Bibles Light and Darkness Scripture references (see below) Heavy books to serve as weights for the completed banner Directions: Share the following Scripture passages with the students. Tell them to read through a few of the passages and choose a favorite. In small groups, have the students print the passage (or part of the passage) in bold black letters on the banner paper. Have them tear pieces of brightly colored tissue paper large enough to cover any of the words or phrases in the passage that you want to highlight. Place the tissue on the word or phrase and brush over it with water-glue solution. The tissue will adhere to the paper. After all the groups have finished, have several students return and add other pieces of tissue paper in other areas of the banner to complete the colorful montage. Place heavy books on top of the banner as weights to help it dry. Lights of Life Scripture Passages Gn 1:15 Is 60:19 Acts 13:47 2 Sm 22:29 Dn 2:21-22 Acts 26:17-18 Jb 29:2-3 Mi 7:8 Rm 13:12-14 Ps 18:29 Mt 4:16 2 Cor 4:6 Ps 27:1 Mt 5:14-16 2 Cor 4:6 Ps 27:1 Mt 5:14-16 Eph 5:8-9 Ps 36:10 Mt 6:21-23 Eph 5:14 Ps 97:11-12 Lk 2:30-32 Col 1:11-13 Ps 107:10-11 Lk 8:16 1 Thes 5:4-5 Ps 112:4 Jn 1:3-5 1 Pt 2:9-10 Ps 119:105 Jn 1:9-10 2 Pt 1:19 Prv 4:18-19 Jn 3:19 1 Jn 1:5 Is 5:20 Jn 8:12 1 Jn 1:6-7 Is 9:1 Jn 9:5 1 Jn 2:8 Is 42:16 Jn 12:35 1 Jn 2:9 Is 49:6 Jn 12:36 1 Jn 2:10-11 Is 60:1-3 Jn 12:46 Rev 22:4-5 The Scripture passages are excellent as a source for an examination of conscience prior to reception of the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
