Should an adulterer wear a crucifix?

[bluebird176]

My husband left me two years ago for another woman; we were married for 37 years when he left. He is currently still living with this woman and we are currently still legally married. He has started wearing a crucifix around his neck as jewelry. I am offended by this because of the way of life he is living. Am I wrong to feel that you shouldn’t wear a crucifix if you are not living a Christian life? He just laughs at me when I tell him he should take it off. I would be interested in your opinion.

 

[Michelle_Arnold]

Rather than see this as merely hypocrisy on his part, a “glass half-full” outlook might be to regard this as an opportunity to pray for his conversion.

It is a very Catholic custom to ask those in need of conversion to wear a Christian scapular or medal. For example, Alphonse Ratisbonne, a Jewish convert, was converted to the Church after being challenged by a Catholic friend to wear a Miraculous Medal. Whenever you see the crucifix about your husband’s neck, you might say a silent prayer for his conversion. One possibility might be from the Divine Mercy chaplet: “For the sake of his sorrowful passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.”

If he continues to mock you about wearing a crucifix, you might say quietly, “You know, I’ve changed my mind. I think you should wear a crucifix, and I hope that whenever you see it you will pause to consider what it represents.” He might laugh that off, but it may also plant a seed.