The Sign of the Cross by Carson

 

“In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.” The sign of the cross has been used to identify people as Christians and give glory to the Trinity for over 2000 years. Today I will share a few points on its importance and different reasons we make the sign of the cross. 

The sign of the cross is a symbol Christians make over themselves to profess their faith. Starting at the forehead, down to the heart or stomach, and ending at the shoulders, they trace a cross over themselves while giving praise to the Trinity (see above). Although it is now mostly Catholics who have kept this tradition, Protestants used to use the sign of the cross as well.

We use the sign of the cross as a profession of faith because Jesus himself tells us that believing on the inside is not enough. We must also show our love on the outside, and the sign of the cross is one of many ways we can accomplish this.

Catholics make the sign of the cross many times throughout the day (at least they should). The most common of these times is before and after prayers, especially before meals. We make the sign of the cross not only to profess our faith, but also as a weapon against the devil, who hates the praise of God.

Another form of the sign of the cross is done before the Gospel reading at Mass. This is when we mark our forehead, lips, and chest. This signifies that the Word of God should be on our minds, on our lips, and in our hearts at every moment. Let’s see what a few important Christian figures say about the sign of the cross:

"The Sign of the Cross," by Henry Newman: “WHENE-ER across this sinful flesh of mine I draw the Holy Sign, All good thoughts stir within me, and renew their slumbering strength divine; till there springs up a courage high and true to suffer and do.” The above is an excerpt from the poem, “The Sign of the Cross.” This poem was made by Cardinal Newman. Surprisingly, he wasn’t Catholic at the time that he made it.

Here is a quote by St.Cyril: “Let us, therefore, not be ashamed of the Cross of Christ; but though another hide it, do thou openly seal it upon thy forehead, that the devils may behold the royal sign and flee trembling far away.” St Cyril tells us to openly do the sign of the cross, and the devil (Heck yeah, I uncapitalized your name, sucka) will flee.

Lastly, we hear from St John Vianney: “The sign of the cross is the most terrible weapon against the devil. Thus the Church wishes not only that we have it continually in front of our minds to recall to us just what our souls are worth and what they cost Jesus Christ, but also that we should make it at every juncture ourselves: when we go to bed, when we awaken during the night, when we get up, when we begin any action, and, above all, when we are tempted.”

In conclusion, you now know how Catholics profess their faith with the sign of the cross. You know why they do it and when they do it. Finally, you have heard some great words on the sign of the cross from some great people and saints. I hope this paper has given you lots of knowledge about the sign of the cross, and that you will use the knowledge wisely.