Where Does the Sign of the Cross Come From?
The Cross has been an important symbol of the sacrifice of Christ since the beginning of Christianity. Written evidence of a ritual act of “signing the cross” dates from the second century, and the practice goes back even further. In the early church, making the Sign of the Cross was an important invocation of Christ in the face of a hostile world filled with spiritual evils. As Christianity gained favor in the Empire, the practice developed ritual depth and flourish. How Do You Make the Sign of the Cross? Make a spoken or internal invocation of the Trinity, usually with the words “In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.” • At “Father,” touch your forehead. • At “Son,” touch your stomach. • At “Holy,” touch your left shoulder. • At “Spirit,” touch your right shoulder. The order of the shoulders is reversed in the Eastern Christian tradition. document.getElementById(‘adsense_placeholder_2’).innerHTML = document.getElementById(‘adsense_ad_2_hidden’).inner
