The Sign of the Cross

By Rev. Rebecca

This is a very ancient practice going back to the earliest Christians. Hippolytus speaks of making the sign of the cross as a regular habit of faithful Christians around 220. It was developed as a reminder and symbol of the power of the cross of Jesus Christ from top (forehead) to center (chest) to left (shoulder) to right (shoulder) to center (chest) again. It is used as a form of blessing and is sometimes used at the mention of death or the deceased to remind us that death is not the final word and that it has been triumphed over by the cross and the resurrection.

Some traditional points where we cross ourselves in the service: -At the opening words "Blessed be God" (because a blessing is being pronounced) -A mini-crossing with the thumb at the announcement of the Gospel (on our forehead, lips, and heart goes along with the prayer: "Christ be in my mind, on my lips, and in my heart")

-At the mention of the resurrection during the Creed
-When praying for those who have died at the Prayers of the People
-At the Absolution following Confession
-During the Eucharist when we ask God to sanctify us in one form or another (another form of blessing) Some also cross themselves at the Sanctus when we say or sing "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord"
-After receiving Communion (you've just been blessed big time!)
-At the Blessing at the end of the service
-At any mention of the resurrection
-When sprinkled with holy water (like a blessing)
-Any other time a clergy person makes the sign of the cross over you.

Making the sign of the cross is merely an optional outward symbol and reminder of the reality of the power of the cross in faith, and is not an act of superstition. Another way to think of it is as a prayer of the hands.