The Wild Man's Journal

A Simple Yet Powerful Tradition

By Fidelis

The act of making the sign of the cross is a peculiarly Catholic practice and one of the most ancient practices in Christianity; believed to have been introduced by the Apostles themselves. By this simple act we testify that we belong to the sacred religion of the crucified Savior. This act of faith and devotion draws our mind and heart to the very center of our faith. The Blessed Trinity and The Holy Cross.

While making this sign of the cross we recite those familiar words, "In nomine Patris et Filii et Spiritus Sancti" (In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost) thus confessing our belief in the mystery of the three persons in one God. The Cross, that most blessed instrument of our salvation, was chosen by the God to overcome death and sin for all of mankind. We see that in making the sign of the cross we have a short summary of the Catholic faith.

Using the right hand we first touch our forehead (symbolizing our acceptance of The faith in our mind), then touching our heart (symbolizing our affection for our Blessed Savior) and finally, touching our left and then our right shoulder (symbolizing our willingness to be doers of the word and not hearers only).  By doing so, we acknowledge our obligation to carry our own cross and to follow Him.

The sign of the cross is not an empty ceremony but carries with it the powerful blessing of God. St John Damascene said "The sign of the cross is a seal, at the sight of which the destroying angel passes on, and does us no harm."  In the year 312 AD, Constantine and his army saw a cross in the sky and written on it were the words "In this sign thou shalt conquer." St. Augustine said "Even to remember the cross of Christ puts our hellish foe to flight, and gives us strength to resist his temptations."

In our own day, this simple act of faith is seldom seen in daily life and when performed is often done with little thought or devotion.  This is surely most tragic. However, when we all come together to worship at the most Holy sacrifice of the Mass, we see (as if pulled back in time) this sacred sign being made by almost all as they enter the house of God. During the holy sacrifice, the priest repeatedly makes the sign of the cross in the preparation of the gifts. At that solemn moment when each of the faithful, who are able to receive the Most Blessed Sacrament, approach the altar in reverence, once again we see this precious sign.

By God's grace, this beautiful tradition continues on throughout the centuries drawing us closer to the sublime mystery of the Most Blessed Trinity and the infinite sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross at Calvary.  Let us once again recognize the value of this simple yet powerful tradition.  Let us practice it with love and reverence for our Lord, and pass it on to our children. We ask for the grace to do this through Jesus Christ our Lord.

In Nomine Patris et Filii et Spiritus Sancti.  Amen.