*YOUCAT: Through the Sign of the Cross we place ourselves under the protection of the Triune God. [2157, 2166]
“In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.”
How many of you, as you read these words started to make the Sign of the Cross over yourself? Be honest. We’re all familiar with it. We make it when we eat; when we pray; when we enter and leave a church; when we’re about to do something adventurous. But what does it mean?
When we make the Sign of the Cross we profess the deepest mystery of our faith, the Trinity — that God is Father, Son, and Spirit. We call on God to bless our lives. So “no rush” through it!
As St. Cyril of Jerusalem, said, “Let us not be ashamed to profess the Crucified One; let us confidently seal our forehead with our fingers, let us make the Sign of the Cross on everything, on the bread we eat and over the cup we drink. Let us make this sign as we come and go, before sleeping, when we lie down and when we arise, while traveling and while resting.”
#YearofFaith Challenge: Sign yourself each morning, dedicating your day to God, calling on him to help you through any temptations and difficulties that arise.
*Youth Catechism of the Catholic Church
Lisa Gomes is the director of the Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry