YOUCAT Lesson 360, May
5, 2015
YOUCAT the catechism
for Catholic youth
360 What is the meaning of
the Sign of the Cross?
Through the Sign of the Cross we
place ourselves under the protection of the Triune God. [2157.
2166]
“In this Sign you shall conquer” by
assistants of Raphael….. 360
Constantine the
Great (c. February 27, 272 – May 22, 337), was Roman Emperor from 306 to 337. Well
known for being the first Roman emperor to convert to Christianity, Constantine
reversed the persecutions of his predecessor, Diocletian, and issued the Edict
of Milan in 313, which proclaimed religious liberty throughout the empire.
At the beginning of the day, at the beginning of a prayer,
but also at the beginning of important undertakings, a Christian makes the Sign
of the Cross over himself and thus starts his business “In the name of the
Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit”.
We are surrounded on all sides by the Triune God; calling upon him by
name sanctifies the things we set out to do; it obtains blessings for us and
strengthens us in difficulties and temptations.
“Let us not be ashamed to profess the Crucified One; let us
confidently seal our forehead with our fingers, let us make the Sign of the
Cross on everything, on the bread we eat and over the cup we drink. Let us make this sign as we come and go,
before sleeping, when we lie down and when we arise, while traveling and while
resting.” St. Cyril of Jerusalem (ca. 313-386/387)
The Sign of the Cross is a core Christian statement of
belief in the Holy Trinity. Like the
Apostles Creed and the longer Nicene Creed, It affirms our faith “In the Name
of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.” The Sign of the Cross should be done slowly,
reverently, and accompanied with meaningful thought.
[2157, 2166]
2157 The Christian begins his
day, his prayers, and his activities with the Sign of the Cross: "in the
name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen." The
baptized person dedicates the day to the glory of God and calls on the Savior's
grace which lets him act in the Spirit as a child of the Father. The sign of
the cross strengthens us in temptations and difficulties. –Catechism of the Catholic Church, Second Edition
IN BRIEF
2166 The Christian begins his prayers and
activities with the Sign of the Cross: "in the name of the Father and of
the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen." --CCC
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