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Pastor Carrie Smith
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From the Pastor's Desk
In the morning, when you rise, make the sign of the cross and say, “In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.” Martin Luther, The Small Catechism Why do Christians make the sign of the cross? Many people know that Catholic Christians make the sign of the cross, but depending on the Protestant tradition you were raised in, you may or may not do this as a regular part of worship. Because the Bible neither recommends nor prohibits this practice, it is a matter of free choice for Christians. So what does it mean? Making the sign of the cross is a physical gesture which helps us to pray. Some other common bodily positions we use to pray are folding hands, kneeling, closing eyes, or bowing our heads. These actions are not necessary for prayer, but they help us to focus our minds and bodies and prepare us to pray. Making the sign of the cross is also a remembrance of baptism. When a person is baptized, the pastor makes the
sign of the cross on the forehead of the baptized and says “Child of God, you have been sealed by the Holy Spirit and marked with the cross of Christ forever.” Whenever we make the sign of the cross, it is a reminder of our identities as baptized children of
God. When is an appropriate time to make the sign of the cross during worship? Some common times to make the sign of the cross would be upon entering or leaving the church, when receiving communion, at the end of the creed, or whenever the Trinity is invoked (“in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”) When might making the sign of the cross be a problem? It should not be used
superstitiously (thinking of it as a “charm” or “good luck”). It should also not be used as a form of outward piety, (trying to look “holy” in front of others) for this is works righteousness. Remember, though, that these are problems with the attitude of the person, not with the physical gesture itself! Some Lutherans have a negative attitude about making
the sign of the cross, feeling that somehow it might be “too Catholic.” However, Martin
Luther wrote many times about the benefits of making the sign of the cross, even suggesting that parents teach their children this practice. During Lent, consider making the sign of the cross when you pray, either at home or during worship.
Peace, †Rev. Carrie Smith