Pope Francis Explains the Sign of the Cross

During his address on the solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity, Pope Francis emphasized the significance of the sign of the cross in the Catholic faith. He highlighted how this simple gesture, taught to Catholics from childhood, serves as a reminder of the central mystery of Christian belief.

Pope Francis explained why the Sign of the Cross is important during his address.

Highlights

By Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)
6/5/2023 (1 year ago)

Published in Living Faith

Keywords: Pope Francis, Sign of the Cross, Sacramental

"When we trace the cross on our bodies, we are reminded of the immense love that God has for us, a love that led Him to sacrifice His life for us," Pope Francis stated on June 4. "By making the sign of the cross, we affirm that His love completely envelops us, embracing us from every direction, never abandoning us."

The pope invited the gathered crowd in St. Peter's Square to join together in making the sign of the cross. "God is love. God is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and He gave His life for us, so we make the sign of the cross," he explained.

The pope delivered his message on Trinity Sunday, a solemnity observed on the Sunday following Pentecost that has roots dating back to before the 10th century. In contrast, the tradition of making the sign of the cross is even more ancient. St. Basil (329 - 379) wrote that the Apostles taught believers to mark those who placed their hope in the Lord with the sign of the cross.

In his Angelus address, Pope Francis referred to a conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus as recounted in the Gospel of John 3:16-18. He highlighted how Jesus revealed the heart of the mystery to Nicodemus, explaining that God loved humanity so deeply that He sent His Son into the world.

The pope suggested envisioning the Holy Trinity as a family gathered around a table, sharing life together. "This is not merely an image; it is reality," he affirmed. "Through the Holy Spirit, whom the Father pours into our hearts through Jesus, we experience the presence of God," a presence that is close, compassionate, and tender. The Holy Spirit guides us as Jesus did with Nicodemus, leading us into the mystery of rebirth, the birth of faith and the Christian life. The Holy Spirit reveals the heart of the Father to us and allows us to partake in the divine life itself."

He further explained, "The invitation extended to us is to sit at the table with God and share in His love. This is what happens at every Mass, at the altar of the Eucharistic table, where Jesus offers Himself to the Father and offers Himself for us."

Before concluding the Angelus prayer, Pope Francis expressed his condolences for the victims of a train crash in India that claimed the lives of over 280 people. He offered prayers for the injured and their families, asking for God's comfort and the peaceful repose of the departed souls.

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