Sign of the Cross

Trinity, this Sunday's feast, defines us as Christians (John 3:16-18).Whatever else we are, we are Trinitarians. By far the most common Christian gesture is the "Sign of the Cross," accompanied normally by the simple prayer "In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit".  Catholics, Orthodox, Anglicans, Lutherans, Methodists, Presbyterians, Uniting Church and other Christians proclaim the prayer at Baptism; services of worship open and close with the prayer and many use it at reception of Communion. Catholics, and many other Christians, dip fingers in holy water and bless themselves with the sign of the cross when entering a church and many homes still have a holy water font where families invoke the Trinity as they enter or leave. Foreheads are marked with an ash cross on Ash Wednesday and with a cross of chrism oil at Confirmation. Footballers, athletes, soldiers and others bless themselves and recite the prayer before challenging events and some Christians use the sign of the cross in everyday activities such as cooking or cutting. 

Each and every time we invoke this simple prayer, we reaffirm our faith in the Holy Trinity and in the saving cross of Christ. We entrust ourselves to our loving creator Father, to the Son who taught us and died for our salvation and to the Holy Spirit who guides and protects us. In summary it is the essence of our Christianity. 

Deacon Mark Kelly