the sign of the cross..

The Sign of the CROSS...


There are actually three signs of the cross in the Catholic Church. All of them represent the same thing, which is the Cross that Jesus died upon.
The first sign of the cross is that which most people are familiar with, the gesture with which the Catholic faithful cross themselves. The symbolism of this gesture is twofold: first, the sign of the cross asserts the Christian doctrine of the Holy Trinity, and second, it affirms the doctrine of humanity's redemption through Christ's sacrifice. Catholics start the gesture their foreheads (In nominee Patris), touch their chests (et Filii), and then touch the left shoulder followed by the right (et Spiritus Sancti). This gesture is seen many times during Mass and in private prayer. It may have come from medieval practices, symbolizing Jesus' coming to earth from Heaven, His descent into Hell (the left being associated with evil) and Ascending to sit at the right side of God, the Father.

The second sign of the cross is that which the priest uses to bless the congregation. This gesture is also large, and is inscribed in the air in the direction of the congregation. The priest makes this gesture several times during Mass and during other rituals of the church.

Finally, there is the small sign of the cross, which the priest or deacon will inscribe on the book of the Gospel using his thumb before it is opened and read, after which he repeats the gesture on his forehead, lips, and breast. The Catholic congregation also makes this triple gesture immediately before the reading of the Gospel.