I learned a new fact during the Sunday sermon, as I often do. This fact involved the origin of the Sign of the Cross. Here I thought that after 20+ years of Christian formal education and almost 77 years of dutiful attendance at church services, I knew quite a lot of information.  

However, I did not know that the Sign of the Cross is considered the oldest form of Christian prayer. It began with no words, just the hands making a small, large or tiny cross on the head or upper body. In the early church, it may have been used as a communication tool between the new converts to indicate that they believed in Jesus Christ.  You could find it used in many forms: a small cross on the forehead, a right or left-handed body cross (large or small); from the left to right or right to left. Each sign designating the maker as belonging to God the Father, Son and Holy Ghost/Spirit. 

The evolution of the Sign of the Cross is a varied as the history of the Christian Church. By the time of the Reformation, it appears that the practice may have lost its true meaning and fallen into disfavor as a “superstition”.  Although Martin Luther encouraged the use of this prayer in his Small Catechism in his suggestion for Family Prayers. He made a practice of starting everyday with the Sign of the Cross. We see people of many faith traditions using the Sign of the Cross as a brief yet meaningful prayer for the glory of God. 

Today, one often observes athletes make a Sign of the Cross before or after an event. I like to believe that these players are asking for God’s blessing on their play or thanking God for the blessing of a safe and productive performance. They do keep God busy on weekends during football season.  

For myself, I remember being taught how to do the Sign of the Cross. I’m left-hand dominant so I was always getting my hands mixed up and in the wrong position. I finally did learn to make the correct movements to accompany the simple words of the prayer.  

This recent sermon has renewed my devotion to this prayer and its traditional signing. It reminds me of the blessings of the Trinity; of Jesus’ sacrifice as a man for me; and the continual guidance of the Holy Spirit. Most of all, I remember that God loves you and me unconditionally no matter what way we do or if we do the Sign of the Cross.  

(Sermon by The Rev. Jill Rierdan, St. Andrews Episcopal Church, Colchester Vermont, September 15, 2024) 

Terri