the sign of the cross
Why do some Christians (Roman Catholics, Orthodox, Lutherans and Anglicans)
make the sign of the cross before and after they pray? What is the origin and significance of this act?
By ROLAND CHIA
THE phrase "sign of the
cross" refers to various liturgical or devotional acts which
trace the two lines intersecting at right angles, indicating symbolically
the figure of Jesus' cross.
For evangelical Protestants, whose devotional and liturgical experience
does not emphasise the use of gestures, the sign of the cross
may appear rather strange and unnecessary. Is it not enough to
simply say "Our Father" at the start of our prayer and
"Amen" at the end?
As a devotional or liturgical practice, the sign of the cross
has a very long history in Christian spirituality. Its origins
can be traced to the writings of the theologians in the first
500 years of the Church's history.
There are many different ways in which the sign of the cross may
be made, the most common of which is to trace a large cross from
forehead to breast and from shoulder to shoulder. This gesture
is often accompanied by the words "In the name of the Father,
and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." Sometimes, the believer
may trace a little cross, generally using the thumb, on the forehead.
In the Roman Catholic Church, believers
trace small crosses over their forehead, their lips and their
hearts before listening to the Gospel reading. In some Anglican
and Lutheran services, the priest or bishop makes the sign of
the cross in the air when pronouncing the benediction.
There are different ways in which the fingers can be positioned
when making the sign of the cross. Some would trace the cross
with their index finger and middle fingers held together. This
is meant to symbolise the two natures of Christ - that the incarnate
Son is very God and very man. Others would hold the index and
the middle fingers together (with the thumb pressing down the
last finger) while making the sign of the cross, thus symbolising
the Holy Trinity. Sometimes the priest holds his third and fourth
fingers down with his thumb while keeping his index and middle
fingers straight. This position has the advantage of signifying
both the two natures of Christ and the Trinity.
What is the place of such gestures in Christian worship and devotion?
Theologians maintain that physical gestures are important in worship
and that something is lost if the Church has lost sight of them.
Even Protestants who use gestures only very minimally are used
to standing, sitting or kneeling in worship. Some also raise their
hands in prayers or when they sing a hymn. Some Lutherans also
genuflect (kneel on one knee) as a gesture of reverence. Ministers
in Protestant churches often raise their hands when pronouncing
the benediction.
It is the nature of physical movements that they involve the mind
as well as the body and thus produce a greater sense of participation.
Gestures used at different points in the worship service can produce
greater intensity in the act of worship. When these gestures are
symbolic, that is, when they point to particular truths, they
can inject meaning and value in worship. Of course just as words
can be cheap, actions can also be performed mechanically and thoughtlessly.
But when used properly and reverently, significant gestures can
introduce depth to our worship.
The different postures, for example, could indicate the attitude
of the worshipper at different points in worship. Kneeling expresses
humility, and is the appropriate posture for prayer, particularly
the prayer of confession. Standing brings to expression other
attitudes, and therefore may be more appropriate for other acts
of worship - singing, prayers of thanksgiving, praise and adoration.
Sitting is less expressive and indicates that attention is directed
at what someone else is doing. Thus, in most Western churches
the congregation sits to listen to the homily or sermon.
The sign of the cross is an important liturgical gesture because
the Cross is the central symbol of the Christian faith. To make
the sign of the cross is to recall the salvation that God has
made available through the life, death, resurrection and ascension
of His Son, Jesus Christ. It is therefore a reminder of the divine
love, which is not only found in a past event, but which continues
to abide with us.
The sign of the cross therefore becomes a wonderful daily expression
of our relationship with God. It recalls our baptism, for all
Christians are baptised in the Name of the Father, and of the
Son and of the Holy Spirit. Tracing the cross on our forehead,
heart and shoulders reminds us that we are to love God with our
mind, heart, soul and strength - indeed, with every fibre of our
being.
Dr Roland Chia is Dean of Postgraduate Studies and Lecturer in Historical and Systematic Theology at Trinity Theological College. He worships at the Fairfield Preaching Point.
QUOTE:
AN IMPORTANT LITURGICAL GESTURE
'The sign of the cross is an important liturgical gesture because the Cross is the central symbol of the Christian faith. To make the sign of the cross is to recall the salvation that God has made available through the life, death, resurrection and ascension of His Son, Jesus Christ. It is therefore a reminder of the divine love, which is not only found in a past event, but which continues to abide with us.'