Back to: RECLAIM

Baptized as an infant, I was Catholic for thirty-eight years but never really thought much about the Sign of the Cross… Until one day, as I put my hand in the holy water and started to bless myself, it dawned on me – every time I say, “In the name of the Father and of the Son and the Holy Spirit,” what I’m really saying is “I am — a Child — of God.”

Go ahead and bless yourself with the Sign of the Cross right now. Take your right hand and touch your forehead, saying, “In the name of the Father,” then moving straight down to your heart, saying, “And the Son,” following up to your left shoulder and in a continuous motion over to your right shoulder while saying “and the Holy Spirit.”  Now, do it again, but replace the words with the phrase, “I am – A Child – of God.” By making the Sign of the Cross with this proclamation, we know who we belong to in our deepest, darkest moments but also our most remarkable and brightest victories. This blessing shouldn’t be taken for granted; it’s a beautiful reminder of our identity.

Making the Sign of the Cross can also allow others to find courage or possibly even hope in the symbol of who they are as well. For instance, if you’re in a restaurant and you bless yourself before a meal, those around you who can’t hear a word you’re saying are still inspired by one of the most recognized symbols of Catholic Christians. This might seem to be the most basic of movements, but it is the core belief by which all prayers are bound up to God. You are saying that you belong to the family of God “in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.” Lastly, if anyone ever asks you why you make the Sign of the Cross, let them know you are honoring the Holy Trinity, pausing to acknowledge Christ died for your sins, and remembering Who you belong to as a Child of God.

We start this day to Reclaim our prayer life by making the Sign of the Cross and thinking about how we relate in our life to each person of the Trinity: God, the Father – Jesus, the Son – the Holy Spirit, Our Advocate.

TODAY’S PRAYER

• Make the Sign of the Cross

personal meditation prayer

Pray the Sign of the Cross, then remain silent for 3 minutes. Allow yourself to focus on how deeply you are loved. Say the words out loud, “I am a Child of God.” What does that mean to you? How does it change what is possible knowing God loves you unconditionally?