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The Sign of the Cross

Jack Miffleton


As Mass begins, four-year old Anna is wiggling in the pew and her six-year old brother, Robert, is chattering. The music starts; they are momentarily distracted, but soon they begin to tap out the rhythm on the bench and are sliding from side to side. When the music stops, the presiding minister says: “In the name of the Father . . .” Both Anna and Robert look up and make the sign of the cross with everyone. Anna does it several times. “At last,” they must think, “something for us.” Yes, something concrete and non-verbal, but also something old, traditionally Catholic and rich in meaning. The ancient gesture of blessing ourselves offers a good example of a sacramental fit for children and adults.

For Good Luck?
Watching international soccer games and other athletic events, I am aware of how many of the world’s players bless themselves at various times during a match or game, using both the western and eastern traditions of the sign of the cross. Some athletes may indeed be putting themselves in God’s presence or it may be just a lucky charm. Even in formal prayer the sign of the cross can devolve into a kind of quick password for logging on and off of the divine prayer web. But this simple gesture seems to hold visible power and personal significance whenever it is used.

The Sacramental of Sacramentals
The sign of the cross is perhaps the most frequently employed of all the sacramentals. No liturgy is celebrated without it. It is usually the first prayer most Catholics learn. It is the first mark on us at baptism and is a part of every sacrament. For example, in the Rite of Anointing and Pastoral Care of the Sick the minister anoints the sick person with oil using a small sign of the cross on the forehead and on the palms of the hands. It also is used for marking the forehead with ashes on Ash Wednesday.

References to the sign of the cross appear in writing as early as 240 AD, and it was probably practiced in apostolic times. The sign was originally made by tracing a small cross with the thumb on the forehead and sometimes on the lips and heart as we do at Mass today before the Gospel. The present custom of using the large sign of the cross with an open hand, touching the shoulders from left to right, dates back to the Middle Ages.

A Mini Creed
This ancient prayer carries with it, both in word and gesture, the heart of Christian belief—the Triune God and the cross of salvation. It is at once a mini-creed and a nonverbal tribute to the Trinity for it reminds us of the love of God the Father, the sacrifice of Jesus and the presence of the Holy Spirit within us and others.

Teach Children Not to Hurry
Children benefit when this tradition is given a little more care and attention throughout the liturgical year, and parents should get in the habit of blessing their children with a sign of the cross just as they bless them with hugs and kisses. It may be a routine action but it should never be hurried or careless. To those who thoughtlessly cross themselves in a rush, or who simply fan the air in front of their breast, St John Chrysostom (347–407) said: “The demons rejoice in this frantic waving.” This sacred sign marks us as a paschal people and makes our faith visible.

Here is a way to help children slow down and reflect on what this simple but profound tradition can mean for them.

“In the name of the Father”
Dear God, bless me, and all I say and do.
I touch my forehead in praise of you.

“And of the Son”
Dear Jesus, teach me to love and follow you.
I touch my heart in praise of you.

“And of the Holy Spirit”
Loving Spirit, help me and guide me too.
I touch my shoulders in praise of you.

“Amen.”
Dear Lord, when I bless myself and pray
I know that you are never far away.

Jack Miffleton is a teacher and musician. His songs are sung in classrooms and churches around the world. He is theological consultant and music director for the I Am Special program published by OSV Publications. He teaches music at St. Jarlath School in Oakland, California, is married and has a grown son.