The Sign of the Cross
By eileenleyva
@eileenleyva (27562)
Philippines
October 21, 2020 4:36pm CST
A frequently asked question: Why make the sign of the Cross?
A sign is a gesture or action used to convey.
The Cross is the symbol of Christ dying on the Cross.
A symbol is a mark that signifies a belief.
Catechism has it that, in the olden days, not everyone could verbally express themselves. And the Sign of the Cross became the simplest way of praying.
As one makes the Sign of the Cross, a prayer is muttered: "In the name of the Father (forehead, signifying the Creator), and of the Son ( womb, signifying our Lord Jesus made Man), and of the Holy Spirit ( shoulders, signifying the Holy Spirit with the wings of a Paraclete). Amen."
Therefore, the Sign of the Cross is a profession of faith. The one who makes the Sign of the Cross believes in the Trinity.
As I do.
4 people like this
3 responses
@Mike197602 (15487)
• United Kingdom
21 Oct 20
Thanks for the explanation as I didn't actually know what the actions meant.
Personally I have absolutely no belief in any man made religion as I see it as false and an attempt at controlling the less educated.
1 person likes this
@eileenleyva (27562)
• Philippines
21 Oct 20
Catholicism is not just a man-made religion. Christianity is Salvation History.
Two millenniums ago, there was a Jesus, true God and true Man, Who instituted a one, holy, catholic, apostolic church - the Catholic Church. Our Lord Jesus entrusted the Church to Peter, the rock, and said "Upon this rock I will build My church." Peter became the first Pope. Currently, we have Pope Francis caring for the Church.
The Catholic Church include the dogmas and doctrines that emanate from Gospel of our Lord Jesus. The Catholic Church guide us in the way we live.
Would you not want to belong to the Church instituted by God?
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@Mike197602 (15487)
• United Kingdom
21 Oct 20
@eileenleyva simple answer is no.
Your belief is yours, it isn't mine.
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@Chellezhere (5363)
• United States
21 Oct 20
Be careful of what you wish for, @Mike197602. He will make a way where there doesn't seem (to humans) to be one. My ex-husband (also named Mike) always said, "religion was for the weak-minded," and now, he attends church every Sunday.
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@eileenleyva (27562)
• Philippines
22 Oct 20
Yup, we all need reminders, especially so that catechism classes were ages ago. Don't mention it, dear friend, always a pleasure spreading the didache.
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@rsa101 (37932)
• Philippines
22 Oct 20
@eileenleyva Didache is indeed a good source of information about our faith. I used to read that some time ago and love the stories there and their reflections about life and faith.
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@eileenleyva (27562)
• Philippines
23 Oct 20
@rsa101 There were Christmases that I gave out Didache as gifts to family and friends.
The Didache streamed from the teachings of the fathers, the disciples of the apostles. Augustine is my favorite. He learned from Ambrose, a bishop and an excellent homilist.
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@florelway (23092)
• Cagayan De Oro, Philippines
21 Oct 20
It's a sign ot victory.
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@eileenleyva (27562)
• Philippines
21 Oct 20
It is.
From church suffering to church militant, and eventually to church triumphant. All because our Lord made the Supreme Sacrifice.
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