Sacred Signs
by Romano Guardini

THE SIGN OF THE CROSS

WHEN we cross ourselves, let it be with a real sign of the cross.

Instead of a small cramped gesture that gives no notion of its

meaning, let us make a large unhurried sign, from forehead to

breast, from shoulder to shoulder, consciously feeling how it

includes the whole of us, our thoughts, our attitudes, our body

and soul, every part of us at once. how it consecrates and

sanctifies us.

It does so because it is the Sign of the universe and the sign of

our redemption. On the cross Christ redeemed mankind. By the

cross he sanctifies man to the last shred and fibre of his being.

We make the sign of the cross before we pray to collect and

compose ourselves and to fix our minds and hearts and wills upon

God. We make it when we finish praying in order that we may hold

fast the gift we have received from God. In temptations we sign

ourselves to be strengthened; in dangers, to be protected. The

cross is signed upon us in blessings in order that the fulness of

God's life may flow into the soul and fructify and sanctify us

wholly.

Think of these things when you make the sign of the cross. It is

the holiest of all signs. Make a large cross, taking time,

thinking what you do. Let it take in your whole being,--body,

soul, mind, will, thoughts, feelings, your doing and not-doing,--

and by signing it with the cross strengthen and consecrate the

whole in the strength of Christ, in the name of the triune God.