Why do we make the Sign of the Cross?
Part of a sermon series during Lent where the clergy will be answering questions from the congregation about the church’s worship
During the season of Lent, the clergy at Holy Trinity Church are attempting to answer question from the congregation. People have been invited to submit questions about Church order, services and traditions. Today I’m looking at signs and symbols in our worship, and in particular, what we do with our hands.
I sometimes wonder if when a stranger walks in to the service it looks like a cross between semaphore practice and a keep fit exercise.
One character on TV said, “I went to a Mass in Rome once. It looked more like a gymnastic display”.
We live in God’s world and we know He is everywhere, all the time, but coming into church, especially for Mass, helps us to concentrate on His presence, His love for us and our faith in Christ.
So much of what we do throughout the service is done with reverence, respect and, I hope, wonder.
Signing with the Sign of the Cross
We might do this:
After dipping hands in the holy water at the entrance to church, to acknowledge we are entering a holy place
At the absolution [forgiveness of sins] to acknowledge our thanks at being forgiven
When the names of the departed are read during the prayers – to pray for their souls in eternity
At the reading of the Gospel – to signify listening to Christ’s words
During the elevation [lifting up] of the bread and wine in the Eucharistic Prayer
Finally, during the blessing from the High Altar – to accept God blessing us through the priest as we make our way back home
Maybe also with the holy water as we leave church.
How do we do this?
Either one or two fingers touching your forehead [saying silently, “In the Name of the Father”]
Touch bottom of chest [“and of the Son”]
Then left shoulder [“and of the Holy Spirit”]
Finally right shoulder [“Amen”]
Standing
We stand:
To sing hymns, as it’s easier to project voices standing, but the clergy sit for the gradual hymn so they can think and pray about the gospel and sermon.
To listen to the Gospel, as a sign of respect for the word of Jesus
Sometimes, for the Eucharistic Prayer
For the Final Blessing.
These are all a mark of respect for God, but if standing is difficult there is no disrespect in sitting, as He will understand.
Genuflecting - bending the knee
The clergy genuflect at the start of the service in front of the high altar to show we are there to worship; then after the blessing before we go out to meet the people.
Some do it as they come up for communion.
Orans position – clergy opening arms
Clergy will assume the Orans position:
During the Eucharistic Prayer , to show inclusiveness. Clergy are leading. but the people are part of the prayer
When saying the Lord’s Prayer.
Incense
We burn incense in a special metal casing called a thurible. It’s fitted to a long chain so it can be swung [!] and everyone can smell the incense and see the smoke. It is in the care of the thurifer, whose duty it is to see it does not go out during the service.
The celebrant will cense the altar at the beginning of the service and again just before starting the Eucharistic prayer which is at the heart of what we do.
The reason for censing the alter is a two-fold symbolic linking of heaven and earth through the mass and prayer rising to the presence of God.
Whatever we do and how we do it during the Mass, if we keep a feeling of respect, reverence and wonder, it will enable us to keep fit, not physically but spiritually.