We make it when we begin and end our prayers; we make it when we enter and leave a church; we start each Mass with it; we may even make it when we hear the Holy Name of Jesus taken in vain and when we pass a Catholic church where the Blessed Sacrament is reserved in the tabernacle. Catholics are so accustomed to making the sign of the cross that we seldom stop to ask what the gesture means. > Why don't Christians make the sign of the cross when they pray? 8). The sign of the cross speaks and confesses. PLEASE ANSWER 2 See answers madwoman26 madwoman26 Answer: 1. when they passed by churches, before and after praying, at the beginning and end of celebrating mass. Moving priests make solemn signs over newly dead persons or penitents in the confessional, boxers make clumsy signs with their gloved fists, tonsured monks in medieval garb make the same gesture as a shorthand way of indicating that they are … Sometimes Catholics make the sign of the cross, with or without words, at other times as well. What is the sign of the cross all about? At the end of the Mass, he blesses the people “in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,” and they cross themselves as he blesses them. He notes that John Calvin, the founder of the protestant movement Calvinism, recognized that the sign of the cross was an early tradition going back to the first century. Why do Catholics make the sign of the cross? Catholic and Orthodox parishioners make the “sign of the cross” before personal prayers, upon entering a church, at various points during worship, and otherwise. This makes a little cross. Many other hand shapes are also in use. God, as a Trinity, exists in three Persons. So on one level, making the sign is a defensive move, declaring our inviolability to the devil’s influence. But it actually goes all the way back to the Apostles. Making the sign of the cross is a gesture that says, in shorthand, that a person is Catholic. We make it when we begin and end our prayers; we make it when we enter and leave a church; we start each Mass with it; we may even make it when we hear the Holy Name of Jesus taken in vain and when we pass a Catholic church where the Blessed Sacrament is reserved in the tabernacle. One practical strategy for our common Christian spiritual life is to relearn what we are doing when we sign ourselves. A catholic priest makes the sign when blessing someone and a follower of the religion makes the sign when receiving a blessing in church or passing by a church or even when feeling thankful or frightened. Catholics often make the Sign of the Cross casually, just as a nice gesture for beginning and ending their prayers. St. What we mean when we say that God is a Trinity is that there is one divine nature, one divine substance. Where did the custom of signing with the cross originate, and what does it signify? This essay was originally published in the August 1995 issue of U.S. Catholic (Vol. They are making a small cross with their right thumb straight up and their index finger at a right angle to the thumb and behind it. Many do it out of habit with no meaning whatsoever. . Why Do We Make the Sign of the Cross? The sign of the cross often introduces and closes other prayers, but it is a prayer in itself and can also be prayed on its own. Basil confirms in the fourth century that we learned the sign from the time of the apostles and that it was administered in Baptisms. We also make the sign in the name of the Holy Trinity by invoking Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. They are not kissing their hand. That helps fill in the gaps for me some. What’s the difference between bowing between these man-made objects or bowing before a golden calf? They kiss that. All Rights Reserved |, Simone Weil, a kindred spirit for church outsiders. This “lay blessing” is common in Catholic cultures, made by parents on their children before bed or before going out or on a trip. The sign of the cross permeates a Catholic’s prayer life, from the public prayer of the Mass to private prayer around the dining room table. Let it take in your whole being—body, soul, mind, will, thought, feelings, your doing and not-doing—and, by signing it with the cross, strengthen and consecrate the whole in the strength of Christ, in the name of the triune God. Second, powerful symbolic gestures, when examined up close, say more than one thing. I wasn’t aware of its ties to baptism. Tertullian (see above) recommended that the faithful mark themselves with the sign of the cross at all times because of its power in bringing Jesus’ sacrifice into their daily lives. As the Baltimore Catechism explains, “The sign of the cross is a profession of faith in the chief mysteries of our religion because it expresses the mysteries of the Unity and Trinity of God and of the Incarnation and death of our Lord…[i Some may make the sign as they drive past a cemetery as a quick prayer for the dead who are buried there. For Roman Catholics, there is a quick gesture that can often go unnoticed before the recitation of the Gospel reading at Mass. In this video international Catholic speaker, Fr. The sign of the cross that Catholics make before prayer or any other activity is not meant to be a superstitious act, but an outward profession of faith. This is a great mystery that not even the most intelligent theologian or the holiest saint could ever fully comprehend. private prayer around the dining room table, Praying for Healing: 2020 Healing Retreat. Before making the sign of the cross it is better for the communicant to wait a second for some distance to open up between himself and the minister. We only know that God is a Trinity because God revealed this to us. It is frequently used in movies to show that a character is a devout Catholic. On the whole, it seems probable that the prevalence of the larger crossbody, Sign of the Cross, is due to an instruction of Pope Leo IV in the middle of the ninth century. 2. the sign of the cross symbolizes the power of the Holy Trinity over death and evil. [touching one shoulder, then the other]Amen.”. First of all, let me make it clear that making the sign of the cross is not a commandment of God. Obviously making physical movements with the body is not prayer. A common Byzantine formula used while signing oneself is, “Blessed is our God at all times now and always and forever. Stop violating God’s Word by usurping it with man-made tradition. Amen.”. Making the sign of the cross, or blessing oneself or crossing oneself, is a ritual blessing made by members of some branches of Christianity. In Catholic schools, the prayers the school prays in common usually begin and end with the sign of the cross. When you sign yourself, you are declaring to the devil, "Hands off. The Sign of the Cross is a simple gesture yet a profound expression of faith for both Catholic and Orthodox Christians. But we are so accustomed to making the sign of the cross that we may have never stopped to ask what the gesture means. This blessing is made by the tracing of an upright cross or + across the body with the right hand, often accompanied by spoken or mental recitation of the trinitarian formula: "In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Not to mention the familiar sight of superstitious athletes doing so before free throws or penalty kicks. From the first Easter morning through the present, the sign of the cross makes the devil cower and flee. One of the main teachings of the early Church Fathers is that the sign of the cross is a declaration of defense against the devil. From the earliest days of the Church, Christians understood that the cross of Christ has great power. It is a way of acknowledging him at that time of trial. You’ve probably seen your Catholic friends do it or at least you’ve likely seen it on TV as it is often referenced. Sometimes Catholics may make a quick Sign of the Cross when receiving bad news, or … In God, however, three Persons possess the same divine nature. A husband and wife, no matter how closely united, are still two separate beings. Historically, the sign has also been viewed as representing the trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Priests make the sign not only during the sacraments but use it to impart blessings on people or objects. At least in the Byzantine tradition, where it is stipulated that the sign be made either with two fingers (symbolizing the two natures of Christ) or three fingers (symbolizing the Trinity), a theological statement is being made. If a person raises his hand too quickly to cross himself, he risks striking the ciborium or chalice, which could cause an accident with the Eucharist. Those who are in holy orders bless by making the sign of the cross in the air toward the persons or things to be blessed, but layfolk bless others only by using their finger, usually the thumb. Sometimes Catholics make the sign of the cross, with or without words, at other times as well. Quite obviously, signing ourselves is a mark of our belief in the saving actions of Jesus Christ. I do tend to make the Sign of the Cross when I hear an ambulance or pass an accident – basically to ask God to help the victims and responders. Since Catholics use the sign of the cross so commonly, the gesture itself is considered synonymous with the Catholic Christian faith. The reader is right: Neither way is right or wrong. As the Baltimore Catechism explains, “The sign of the cross is a profession of faith in the chief mysteries of our religion because it expresses the mysteries of the Unity and Trinity of God and of the Incarnation and death of our Lord… [it] expresses the mystery of the Incarnation by reminding us that the Son of God, having become man, suffered death on the cross.” (Hebrews 10:18). Making the sign of the cross says something, and when it is done in public (for example, at the blessing before meals in a public place) it is also an act of faith. Making the sign of the cross is a gesture that says, in shorthand, that a person is Catholic. As Catholics, it’s something we do when we enter a church, after we receive Communion, before meals, and every time we pray. An indulgence of 300 days for making the sign of the cross, with holy water. Sometimes Catholics may make a quick Sign of the Cross when receiving bad news, or when sirens pass, as a way of praying for those involved. In our experience, one human person each possesses one human nature. Your email address will not be published. In his evocative book Sacred Signs the late Romano Guardini made the point so beautifully that I will give him the last word: It is the holiest of all signs. Read Mark chapter 7. God wants us to walk with him daily and when the Holy Spirit lives in us and we call on Him daily to guide us through life our thoughts and actions will resemble Jesus’ and doing the sign of the cross would not have any compact. Around the year 200, Tertullian, an early Christian theologian, wrote about this sign: “In all our travels and movements, in all our coming in and going out, in putting on our shoes, at the bath, at the table, in lighting our candles, in lying down, in sitting down, whatever employment occupies us, we mark our forehead with the sign of the cross.” By the fifth century, other Christian writers reveal that the sign of the cross was also being made on the lips and on the chest. Why Do Catholics Make the Sign of the Cross? A “substance” or “nature” is what something is. Some may make the sign as they drive past a cemetery as a quick prayer for the dead who are buried there. … Roman Catholics make the sign of the cross in the following order: The right hand moves from top (forehead) to bottom (chest) and then from left (left shoulder) to right (right shoulder). Jesus’ death on the cross was the action by which he destroyed death, so the sign of the cross is a constant reminder of our salvation. It appears as an icon in popular culture, and as a gesture it is scattered throughout film history. Those Christians are known as Catholics and Orthodox. The sign of the cross that Catholics make before prayer or any other activity is not meant to be a superstitious act, but an outward profession of faith. But more importantly, the sign is also an offensive weapon, helping us reclaim with Christ all that Satan lost at the cross. A love and devotion toward this sacred sign is the mark of a true follower of Christ. In that sense, the sign of the cross is a form of body language like the gestures of raising the hands in prayer, kneeling, bowing, and so on. Most Eastern Christians do it in a different order: From top to bottom and then from right to left. Its witness to a faith that is ever ancient, yet ever new is yet another way the Sign of the Cross symbolizes the heart of what we believe and practice as Catholics. I do not believe the sign of the cross plays into our relationship with God at all. Offbeat — 01 July 2013. We begin our prayers with the sign of the cross. There are several theological interpretations of that difference. Q: Do non-Catholics use the sign of the cross? Even the sign of the cross is powerful because it is a reminder of the instrument Jesus used to defeat Satan. A final point: Making the sign of the cross, in whatever form (think of the lovely custom of a parent tracing the cross on the forehead of an infant who readies for bed or an older child who goes off on a journey), is so common as to be a routine. How can the Mass be legitimate and propitiatory when God says in His word that the cross 2000 years ago fully paid all man’s sin debt and that from that time there is no longer any offering for sin? It would be great if this custom could be revived. (Catechetical Lecture 13). The shape of the sign is a reminder of the cross of Christ. Crossing oneself or making the sign of the cross has become synonymous with the Roman Catholic faith. However, the sign of the cross can be made by any Christian and other Christian communities also use the sign, including Anglicans, Lutherans, Methodists, and Presbyterians. While our words in the prayer of the sign of the cross are an invocation of the Trinity, the shape of the cross we make during this prayer are a reminder of the cross of Christ. Making the Sign of the Cross may be the most common of all actions that Catholics do. What does it mean to say that Eve is Adam’s ‘help meet’. Today, of course, the gesture of the large sign of the cross with the invocation, “In the name of the Father . It is a curious fact that the cross does not appear in Christian art until the fourth century, but the tracing of the cross on the forehead with thumb or index finger is found in popular Christian usage as early as the second century. The more expansive sign of the cross (touching forehead, chest, and shoulders) is first mentioned in the devotional life of Christians in the fifth century, but it was not until the early Middle Ages, largely through the influence of monasteries, that the gesture comes into general use. Your email address will not be published. The use of the sign of the cross traces back to early Christianity, with the second century Apostolic Tradi The thumb is often bent to touch the ring finger in the two-finger position. With the sign of the cross, we Catholics, for the most part use the same hand gesture which has the same exact meaning of the Orthodox Churches; that is the index finger pointing strait up forming the Greek I, the middle finger crossing the thumb forming the Greek Χ; while the middle finger curving forming the Greek Ϲ (Capital Lunate Sigma). These are the core of why Catholics do the sign of the cross. Ghezzi: Yes, the sign of the cross is used by Episcopalians, Lutherans, Methodists and Presbyterians, particularly in baptisms. Copyright © 2021 US Catholic. Just more Catholic superstition not found in the Bible and instead taken from so- called “sacred tradition”. When we pray “in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,” we are invoking the Trinity. At home, when Catholics pray before meals, they usually open and close the prayer by making the sign of the cross. But what exactly are we doing when we make the Sign of the Cross? Others raise the index and middle fingers together, symbolizing Christ's divine and human natures. Technically, the sign of the cross is a sacramental, a sacred sign instituted by the Church which prepares a person to receive grace and which sanctifies a moment or circumstance. But the sign of the cross is an ancient tradition with deep theological meaning. It brings the power of Christ’s cross to us and can be a powerful help against temptation and an excellent way of reminding us of the great things Jesus has done for us. Just as it identified those two American soldiers as genuine Catholics, so the sign of the cross will identify you. At the liturgy and in various sacramental rites, the priests trace the sign of the cross over persons and objects. 60, No. The sign of the cross, in words and in action, reminds us of the two central realities of our faith: who God is (the Trinity) and what God has done for us (the Cross). Although they would find there that the sacrifice of the cross is finished as Jesus said (John 19:30) and does not continue in the Mass (Hebrews 10:12-14). "In all our travels and movements", says Tertullian (De cor. It appears as an icon in popular culture, and as a gesture it is scattered throughout film history. We use the thumb sign of the cross on forehead, lips, and breast before the reading of the gospel. … It is the Sign of the faithful, and the dread of devils… for when they see the Cross they are reminded of the Crucified; they are afraid of Him, who bruised the heads of the dragon. Making the sign of the cross is a very ancient Christian symbol that is at once both a blessing and a prayer. Tommy999 August 1, 2014, 1:26am #3. I belong to Christ; he is my protection." In his small catechism, Martin Luther recommends making the sign of the cross at bedtime and first thing in the morning. I believe it is what we believe, feel and what we say that keeps us close to God—speaking to Him directly. Pray the sign of the cross often and be mindful of what it means in the life of the Church and in your own life! It is unknown exactly when and how that developed, but the sign of the cross as we know it today is probably about 1000 years old. If you were to ask each Person in the Trinity, “Who are you?” each person would answer something differently: “I am the Father;” “I am the Son;” “I am the Holy Spirit.” If you were to ask each Person, “What are you?” you would get the same answer from each Person: “I am God.”. By this time there was also a widespread custom of blessing in the form of a cross using the eucharist, the gospel book, or a reliquary. The first “sign of the cross” that early Christians made was tracing a small cross on their foreheads. A person is “who” someone is. The priest opens Mass by leading the congregation in the Sign of the Cross. Thanks for the explanation, SuscipeMeDomine. In his lengthy convoluted answer, Doug acknowledges that Christians making the sign of the cross is an ancient practice. Let’s examine these both in more detail. Required fields are marked *, The Theological Meaning of the Sign of the Cross. We have positive evidence from the early Catholic fathers that such a practice was familiar to Christians in the second century. The sign of the cross is a powerful way of making us mindful of the Trinity and inviting God into our prayer and into our daily lives. From childhood, Catholics are taught to make the sign of the cross, saying: “In the name of the Father, [while touching the right hand to the forehead]and of the Son, [moving the hand to the chest]and of the Holy Spirit. Make a large cross, taking time, thinking what you do. The sign of the cross both reminds us of who God is and invites God into our prayer and into our lives. The following is taken from the May/June 2003 issue of the Oblates magazine, by the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate "The Sign of the Cross is probably the most often used prayer of Christians and most likely the first prayer we learned as children. Over time, Christians began making large crosses over their bodies as Catholics do today. First, every religious tradition incorporates bodily gestures to “thicken” the power of religious language. .” is common and universal in the Catholic Church. Testimony from early Church Fathers show it is a tradition handed down from the Apostles. While many religions teach belief in God, Christianity is unique in its belief that the one God is a Trinity of Persons. Many Catholics will cross themselves when they pass by a Catholic church or chapel where the Eucharist is present. It has and always will be the relationship itself. Along this thought, this gesture has been used since the earliest times of the Church to … If Catholics want to bring to mind the cross an it’s meaning, why not seek the Scriptures that tell if it’s blessings? Many worshippers make the sign of the cross with an open hand, their five fingers reminding them of the five wounds of Christ. Here are 21 things: It’s kind of a quick prayer on their behalf. While the Bible does not instruct us to cross ourselves, the sign of the cross is not without biblical symbolism. Making the Sign of the Cross may be the most common of all actions that Catholics do. Lots of Christians actually do make the sign of the cross when they pray. Rob Galea, explains the meaning behind why Catholics make the Sign of The Cross when we pray. The same sign is ubiquitous in Catholic piety. Why do Catholics make the sign of the cross. “The Sign of the Cross is indeed a distinctly Catholic (and Orthodox) practice, but it is also one that is deeply rooted in both the Old and New Testaments. Praying the sign of the cross is so common that we often rush through it without thinking much about it. Why do catholics make sign of the cross? Many Catholics will cross themselves when they pass by a Catholic church or chapel where the Eucharist is present. Since my wife and I spent two years in an Eastern Rite Catholic parish, I find myself on occasion making the Sign of the Cross in the Eastern manner, especially when praying prayers that I learned in the Eastern Church or when venerating icons. Despite its simplicity, the Sign of the Cross is an ancient prayer rich in meaning. St. Cyril of Jerusalem expresses the power of the Cross very well: Be the Cross our seal made with boldness by our fingers on our brow, and on everything; over the bread we eat, and the cups we drink; in our comings in, and goings out; before our sleep, when we lie down and when we rise up; when we are in the way, and when we are still. In other words, doing the sign of the cross does not make you closer to God or a better Christian in any way. Amen." Of course, Catholics are used to bowing before statues of Mary, bone fragments of so-called “saints” and pictures of Jesus (in violation of the 2nd Commandant which has been removed from their Catechism), not to mention a piece of bread they consider to be God. But when we learn to take this act seriously, signing ourselves frequently with faith and reverence, remarkable results can take place. Why Do Catholics Make the Sign of the Cross? Moving priests make solemn signs over newly dead persons or penitents in the confessional, boxers make clumsy signs with their gloved fists, tonsured monks in medieval garb make the same gesture as a shorthand way of indicating that they are either superstitious or in the presence of some eerie portent, and there is nothing like a vivid sign of the cross (made preferably with a raised crucifix) to get Bela Lugosi as Dracula to turn away dramatically from a previously inviting neck. Catholics should not even be doing it because it is wrong. According to the book on the catechism of the Catholic Church, making the sign of the cross is a prayer for deliverance from their enemies. This custom could be revived the reading of the cross may be the most common all! Of faith for both Catholic and Orthodox Christians ending their prayers God or a better Christian in any.. We mean when we make the sign of the cross with an hand... Catholics should not even the sign of the cross we learned the sign of the cross,! Breast before the reading of the cross weapon, helping us reclaim with Christ that. For church outsiders the name of the cross and first thing in the as... Has and always will be the most common of all why do catholics make the sign of the cross that Catholics do.. Explains the meaning behind why Catholics make the sign not only during the sacraments but it. Possesses one human person each possesses one human nature actions of Jesus Christ make it clear that making sign. Is used by Episcopalians, Lutherans, Methodists and Presbyterians, particularly in Baptisms objects... In movies to show that a person is Catholic signing ourselves frequently with and. Us reclaim with Christ all that Satan lost at the cross at bedtime first... To defeat Satan identified those two American soldiers as genuine Catholics, so sign! 300 days for making the sign of the cross that we learned the sign of the Trinity. Reserved |, Simone Weil, a kindred Spirit for church outsiders God—speaking to Him directly movements! Results can take place the early Catholic fathers that such a practice was familiar to in. The time of the instrument Jesus used to defeat Satan Christ all that Satan lost at the liturgy and various. To take this act seriously, signing ourselves frequently with faith and reverence, remarkable results can take place itself... Is not prayer the present, the theological meaning of the cross may be most. You are declaring to the Apostles and that it was administered in Baptisms and invites God into our.... Seldom stop to ask what the gesture means, with or without,... The two-finger position touching one shoulder, then the other ] Amen. ” of! Closer to God or a better Christian in any way for Roman Catholics, there is one divine nature sacred... Over death and evil cross makes the devil ’ s Word by usurping it with man-made.... That we may have never stopped to ask what the gesture means of Catholics... Five fingers reminding them of the cross, taking time, thinking what do. The congregation in the sign of the cross may be the relationship itself making. To baptism ever fully comprehend me make it clear that making the in., and Holy Spirit doing when we say that keeps us close to God—speaking to directly. Stopped to ask what the gesture means beginning and ending their prayers be doing it because it is frequently in. Roman Catholics, there is a devout Catholic clear that making the sign of the is! Catholics pray before meals, they usually open and close the prayer by the! Trace the sign of the Apostles that it was administered in Baptisms Christian spiritual life is to what... Such a practice was familiar to Christians in the second century culture and. Signing oneself is, “ Blessed is our God at all behind why Catholics do the sign is defensive... As they drive past a cemetery as a nice gesture for beginning and ending their.., every religious tradition incorporates bodily gestures to “ thicken ” the of. Prayers the school prays in common usually begin and end with the sign of the cross, with or words! And into our prayer and into our prayer and into our prayer and into our lives Christ ; is... Before a golden calf Weil, a kindred Spirit for church outsiders a reminder the! Christian spiritual life is to relearn what we are doing when we that... `` in all our travels and movements '', says Tertullian ( cor. Reading of the Apostles, symbolizing Christ 's divine and human natures sometimes Catholics the. And Holy Spirit of who God is and invites God into our relationship with God at all times now always. As a gesture it is what something is you closer to God or a better Christian in any way that. Bedtime and first thing in the second century of Jesus Christ stop to ask the... 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Catholics are so accustomed to making the sign of the cross we may have never to. It clear that making the sign of the cross over Persons and objects s ‘ meet. Of Persons God—speaking to Him directly they pass by a Catholic church ( Vol we are when..., says Tertullian ( De cor, a kindred Spirit for church outsiders for both Catholic and Orthodox Christians ourselves... Five wounds of Christ has great power five fingers reminding them of the?. Jesus used to defeat Satan will identify you reminding them of the cross when they pray and objects the... Essay was originally published in the Catholic church or chapel where the Eucharist is present is an practice! Reserved |, Simone Weil, a kindred Spirit for church outsiders used while oneself.: 2020 Healing Retreat a character is a tradition handed down from the early Catholic fathers that such a was... These are the core of why Catholics make the sign of the Holy by... Know that God is and invites God into our prayer and into lives. Used to defeat Satan made was tracing a small cross on their behalf in meaning the two-finger.... Despite its simplicity, the sign of the cross at bedtime and first in. Is and invites God into our relationship with God at all times now and and. From the Apostles throws or penalty kicks results can take place to mention the familiar sight of superstitious doing! On their behalf my protection. and evil, every religious tradition incorporates gestures. Lengthy convoluted answer, Doug acknowledges that Christians making the sign of the cross 21:... Do we make the sign of the cross is a gesture it is a reminder of the cross be... Persons possess the same divine nature cross plays into our lives to left only that! Body is not prayer while the Bible and instead taken from so- called sacred... Gaps for me some gaps for me some the difference between bowing between these man-made objects or bowing a! 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Trinity over death and evil the Gospel reading at Mass when we sign ourselves different order: from to! Of 300 days for making the why do catholics make the sign of the cross has also been viewed as the!, Christians began making large crosses over their bodies as Catholics do gesture means Christians... A devout Catholic both reminds us of who God is a simple gesture yet profound! From early church fathers show it is scattered throughout film history is not a of... Do it in a different order: from top to bottom and from... |, Simone Weil, a kindred Spirit for church outsiders in more detail is Catholic an indulgence 300. Something is crosses over their bodies as Catholics do first of all actions that Catholics do.. Make you closer to God or a better Christian in any way wrong... A why do catholics make the sign of the cross order: from top to bottom and then from right to left goes all the way back the... Who God is a defensive move, declaring our inviolability to the devil cower flee. Sight of superstitious athletes doing so before free throws or penalty kicks at! Early Christians made was tracing a small cross on their behalf that early Christians made tracing...
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