The priest who received us into the Catholic Church often began public prayers by saying, “Let us sign ourselves with the sign of Jesus’ love for us”. He then slowly and reverently made the sign of the cross while saying, “In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.”

The hush that fell over all those present and the reverence this priest modeled as he approached God did more to teach me about this distinctly Catholic prayer than any catechism class or theological explanation I’ve since heard.

When I remember, if leading Bible study, or giving a talk, I follow his example, if not repeating his exact words, at least slowing down and remembering the One whose Presence is with me and the wonder of a God who reveals Himself as a Communion of Love.

The Sign of the Cross is one of my favorite prayers, not because it signals that I am Catholic, but because the cross really is the sign of Jesus’ love for us and I need that reminder frequently.

When I took a new job at a parish where my office opened directly into the parking lot, but I had no view of who might be approaching when the doorbell rang I began the habit of making The Sign of the Cross as I went to answer the door. Then, having struggled a few times to converse in Spanish over the phone, I began to make the Sign of the Cross each time the phone rang. I found it calmed me. How could it not? It immediately makes present the truth that the Holy Trinity surrounds the one who prays it.

I think most people, even most Catholics, underestimate the power of this ancient prayer. I’m grateful to Father Jack for teaching me to turn to the Lord with reverence.

What has been your experience with the Sign of the Cross?

But may I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.

– Galatians 6:14