Understanding The Sign of The Cross
Uncovering the Underlying Symbolism of The Sign
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If you’re reading this, you know what the sign of the cross is. Most of us make it several times a day. It’s so common that many of us have lost its significance.
Let’s fix that.
The words and actions have special significance to remind us of certain things.
In the Name of The Father
As we start, we touch our forehead with the words “In The Name of The Father…”
We do this to ask that by The Father, may we KNOW the Will of God.
Brain = Knowledge
It is from this that our actions must be directed.
It’s vital for this to sink in.
In the very first place, we must seek to know the Will of God. If we do not first know God’s Will, we cannot take the next step.
Much has been written about coming to know the Will of God. If you want to go deep on this, start simple; start with the example of St. Joseph.
On a regular basis, spend time—and I mean substantial time—in silence so that you can begin to hear the voice of God.
Without seeking to listen and to hear, you cannot follow His Will. You’ll be heavily influenced by the world and your own opinions.
And of The Son
Next, we touch our hearts as we say “… and of The Son…”
Here, once we know God’s Will, we ask to ACCEPT it in our hearts.
Heart = Love (Acceptance)
Now that we know the Father’s Will and we have accepted it in our hearts, we can begin to act.
As a note, it’s helpful to realize that when we receive the Heart of Jesus in the Eucharist, His Heart touches ours. As it breaks down and enters our bloodstream, it literally touches our hearts.
Our hearts become directly connected to that of Jesus in worthy reception of the Eucharist. How beautiful is this?
Ask for this grace to accept God’s Will in the depths of your heart.
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And The Holy Spirit
Here, we get the double whammy of the shoulders “…and of The Holy Spirit.”
In this final step, we ask for the courage to PERFORM His Will.
Shoulders = Work (Action)
Let’s put it together:
In the Name of The Father | May I KNOW the Will of God,
and of The Son | ACCEPT it in my Heart,
and of The Holy Spirit | and PERFORM it in the world.
The idea is so simple yet supremely profound.
The best part—we make this sign often throughout the day. So it offers us a constant reminder of WHY we are here.
There are of course other meditations you can give on the Sign of The Cross such as the importance of understanding the sacrifice.
But at the end of the day, I believe all of those pull into the substance of this action.
Know what God wants for us. Accept it in our hearts and love it, no matter how challenging and difficult it is. And finally, use the gifts and body we’ve been given to Perform that wish from God.
Take care, and see y’all next time! Happy Sunday ✝️
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