Why do Catholics make the Sign of the Cross?
Catechism Meditation:
The Christian begins his day, his prayers, and his activities with the Sign of the Cross: “in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.” the baptized person dedicates the day to the glory of God and calls on the Savior’s grace which lets him act in the Spirit as a child of the Father. The sign of the cross strengthens us in temptations and difficulties. ―No. 2157
REFLECTION: We make the Sign of the Cross―first, to put us in the mind of the Blessed Trinity; and secondly to remind us that God the Son died for us on the Cross. The Sign of the Cross is a profound declaration of one of Christianity’s greatest mysteries―The Holy Trinity. Accompanied by the words, “In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,” it echoes Jesus’ own instruction in Matthew 28:19. It’s more than just a custom or a mere gesture; it’s a physical statement of belief in God’s triune nature. The Church teaches that it is a prayerful act imbued with meaning and spiritual power. Starting the day with the Sign of the Cross invites God’s presence into the hours ahead. It is a moment to dedicate the day to God, seeking His guidance and protection. By making this sign, Catholics place themselves under God’s care, uniting their lives and actions with the saving work of Christ. It is a way of sanctifying the moments of daily life, turning even small actions into acts of devotion and faith.
Since we make the Sign of the Cross before and after all of our prayers, many Catholics don’t realize that the Sign of the Cross is not simply an action but a prayer in itself. Like all prayers, the Sign of the Cross should be said with reverence; we shouldn’t rush through it on the way to the next prayer. In his book, Lord, Prepare My Hands for Battle, Jesse Romero says, “Some things become so familiar that we take them for granted. A good practice would be to stop and think about what we’re doing when we make the Sign of the Cross. The Cross is the center of Christianity; it signifies the deepest surrender to God’s will. As we recall at the Baptismal ceremony, “We die with Christ to rise again in Him.” When I make the sign of the Cross, I affirm my own surrender to God’s will. While tracing the sign over my body, I pray that I will live as a member of God’s kingdom.”
PRAYER. Lord, as I begin this day, I offer You all my thoughts, words, and actions. Guide me with Your Holy Spirit and let Your Will be done in my life. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Timeless Wisdom Quote:
“There are two ways of waking up in the morning. One is to say, ‘Good morning, God,’ and the other is to say, ‘Good God, morning!’” ― Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen