"the sign of the cross"?
Father Mateo (76776.306@compuserve.com)
25 Jan 96 21:00:50 EST
>> Why do Catholic make the sign of the cross on themselves?
Jungmann in his "Mass of the Roman Rite" says:
"The desire to grasp the sacred word of God and to secure its
blessings ... found a lasting expression in ... the sign of the
cross. In the ninth century for the first time do we come across
the practice of the faithful signing a cross on their foreheads
after the deacon greets them. Then we hear of another custom,
the deacon and all those present imprinting the cross on forehead
and breast after the words "A reading of the holy gospel, etc.".
About the eleventh century mention is made of forehead, mouth,
and breast, and since that time also of the signing of the
book.... The original idea of this signing of oneself is
probably indicated in the scriptural text frequently cited in
this connection, the quotation about the wicked enemy who is
anxious to take the seed of the word of God away from the hearts
of the hearers (Mark 4:15).... But another explanation takes
over by degrees; an ever-increasing stress is placed on the
readiness to acknowledge God's word with courage.... The meaning
is this: For the word which Christ brought and which is set down
in this book we are willing to stand up with a mind that is open;
we are ready to confess it with our mouth; and above all we are
determined to safeguard it faithfully in our hearts."
Sincerely in Christ,
Father Mateo
##Mmr 2.38a. 6-24-91 10:18
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