I have made the Sign of the Cross ever since I was little, so I guess I never thought much about it. But Father reminded us that it is actually something very important.
When we make the Sign of the Cross, we are telling the world that we belong to Jesus Christ. We are not trying to show off. We are simply not hiding our faith.
Later on, I was reading about the Mystery of the Cross, and it fit right in with Father's homily.
The chapter said that when Jesus died on the Cross, many people thought He had been defeated. To them, it looked like everything was over. But God turned the Cross into a sign of victory.
Today the Cross is known all over the world. Saints loved it. Martyrs held onto it, even when it cost them their lives. And regular people, like us, still find comfort and hope in it every day.
Father LeRoy said it is important for people to know that we are believers. That does not mean we have to make a big show of it. Sometimes it can be something as simple as making the Sign of the Cross before lunch at a restaurant. Or wearing a crucifix around our neck. Or speaking kindly when everyone else is grumbling and complaining.
Little things can tell people a lot about what is in our hearts.
I think that is what Father was trying to teach us. The Cross should not just hang on a wall. It should be part of the way we live.
Sometimes it is easy to be a Catholic when you are sitting in church with everyone else. But it can be a little harder when you are out in public.
Still, Jesus was not ashamed to carry His Cross for me. So I do not want to be ashamed to show that I belong to Him.
Mini is never embarrassed to stay close to the people she loves. Maybe I should be more like that too.
So today I want to remember this:
Make the Sign of the Cross slowly.
Mean it.
Jesus carried the Cross for me.
So I will make the Sign of the Cross for Him.
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