24/06/2023
We make the sign of the cross to express two important mysteries of the Christian religion: the Blessed Trinity and the Redemption.
~Baltimore Catechism
At Mass, we are in the company of Our Lord, with Whom we associate ourselves in order to live like Him by living of Him, in order to die as He died and rise again with Him.
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Reflections on the Sign of the Cross:
"We should make the Sign of the Cross with great respect" (Catechism of the Cure de Ars)
"We usually begin and end our prayers with the sign of the cross." (Baltimore Catechism)
"The Sign of the Cross is formidable to the devil, because by the Cross we escape from him." (Catechism of the Cure de Ars)
"By making the sign of the cross we proclaim to the world that we are not ashamed of the cross of Jesus, and of our belief in a crucified Redeemer." (Muller)
"Let us make the Sign of the Cross with trust in its power. It is the great means of protection, a sign for believers and a dread to evil spirits." (St. Cyril, Doctor of the Church, 386 A.D.)
"The virtue of the Sign of the cross, in the conflict with Satan, is easily understood. To make that sign, is to remind him of the whole history of his defeat, to invoke against him the just reprisals of the Almighty Crucified." (Fr. Delaporte)
"At the beginning and in the course of any work, on coming in and going out, when we dress, when we go to bed...and in everything we do, we make the Sign of the Cross on the forehead." [Tertullian ("an excellent early Christian writer" - although he would ultimately fall into heresy), c. 240 A.D.]
"The sign of the cross is the most terrible weapon against the Devil. Thus the Church wishes not only that we should have it continually in front of our minds to recall to us just what our souls are worth and what they cost Jesus Christ, but also that we should make it at every juncture ourselves: when we go to bed, when we awaken during the night, when we get up, when we begin any action, and above all, when we are tempted." (St. John Vianney)
http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/qt/catholic_basics_reflections_cont_4.htm %20of%20the%20Cross
