We might have gotten so used to it that we just do the same automatically. Yet the three crosses we make, whilst standing and just before listening to the Gospel carry meaning. The cross was part of the ‘tools’ God used for our redemption, the symbol which reminds us of God’s total giving of Himself for our salvation. It is a sign of the Christian and a prayer by which I, as a follower of Jesus Christ, proclaim belief, through words and motion, in the most Holy Trinity, asking also for help.
We stand, making the sign of the cross on our forehead, on our lips and on our heart …and though I am not sure how this practice came about yet I do know it carries meaning.
We stand, making the sign of the cross on our forehead, on our lips and on our heart …and though I am not sure how this practice came about yet I do know it carries meaning.
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It is a prayer… (well to me it is anyway)
I make the sign of the cross on my forehead:
Lord please help me understand your Holy Word.
I make the sign of the cross on my lips:
Please help me proclaim IT through words and deeds
I make the sign of the cross on my heart:
and please help me cherish the same Word in my heart.
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"Though he was in the form of God,he did not regard equality with God
as something to be grasped,
but emptied himself,
taking on the nature of a servant,
but emptied himself,
taking on the nature of a servant,
made in human likeness,
and in his appearance found as a man.
He humbled himself by being obedient to death,
death on the cross."
(Philippians 2:6-8)
and in his appearance found as a man.
He humbled himself by being obedient to death,
death on the cross."
(Philippians 2:6-8)
Jesus, GOD, who is greater than the Universe took the nature of man!
Jesus, GOD, is Eternal, yet he ‘stepped into time’!
Jesus, GOD, is Infinate, and yet he willingly dies!
Jesus, GOD, King of Kings …became ‘obedient’!
…to bring us the Good News and Salvation!!!
Jesus, GOD, is Eternal, yet he ‘stepped into time’!
Jesus, GOD, is Infinate, and yet he willingly dies!
Jesus, GOD, King of Kings …became ‘obedient’!
…to bring us the Good News and Salvation!!!
If Jesus did all this then what must I do?!?!
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I have been baptised and with that blessing came a responsibility:
“Go out to the whole world
and proclaim
the Good News to all creation.”
(Mark 16:15)
This is the mission which Jesus has given to each of us!
This is what Jesus demands of ME!
This is what Jesus demands of ME!
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In today’s world, it is as though EVERYTHING is acceptable. Should I disagree I am considered and/or called “old-fashioned”, “closed-minded” or …the term preferred by many… “intollerant”.
Today, it is as though everything is acceptable EXCEPT holding firm to Christian Truths and Values! If I do that, then, most likely, not only will I be considered and/or called “old-fashioned”, “closed-minded” or “intollerant” but I’d get looks which might make me seriously wonder whether I’m losing my mind!!! I’d get a look which suggests that “ruth there must really be something wrong with you”!!!
…but is it so?
…is there something wrong with me if I do my best to hold firm to Christian values?!
Today, it is as though everything is acceptable EXCEPT holding firm to Christian Truths and Values! If I do that, then, most likely, not only will I be considered and/or called “old-fashioned”, “closed-minded” or “intollerant” but I’d get looks which might make me seriously wonder whether I’m losing my mind!!! I’d get a look which suggests that “ruth there must really be something wrong with you”!!!
…but is it so?
…is there something wrong with me if I do my best to hold firm to Christian values?!
...of course NOT!!!!!
CHRISTian values, as the name clearly indicates, come from Christ and His Teachings!!! They are the values and truths which God Himself has taught us!!!!! …of course there’s nothing wrong with me if I am trying to do my best to hold firm to them and proclaim them!!!!! I am, as a Christian …well I’d rather say Catholic for myself ;-)… DEMANDED to hold firm and proclaim!!!
…eh sure I might get the “are you crazy?” kind of look or the popular “oh come on….!!!” phrase from those around me …but that should NOT be reason for me to abandon the Truths and Values which Christ Himself taught us …taught me!
On the contrary it should further encourage me to proclaim and hold firm to these Truths and values! If people give me that look or utter that phrase then most likely they are not appreciative …let alone cherishing… of these beautiful gifts!!
…eh sure I might get the “are you crazy?” kind of look or the popular “oh come on….!!!” phrase from those around me …but that should NOT be reason for me to abandon the Truths and Values which Christ Himself taught us …taught me!
On the contrary it should further encourage me to proclaim and hold firm to these Truths and values! If people give me that look or utter that phrase then most likely they are not appreciative …let alone cherishing… of these beautiful gifts!!
I am DEMANDED to hold firm and proclaim!
…at all times, in all places!
…with my words and with my deeds!
…IRRELLEVANT of what other people will think or say about me!
…at all times, in all places!
…with my words and with my deeds!
…IRRELLEVANT of what other people will think or say about me!
“Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!”
(1 Cor 9:16)
For as Jesus Himself has said:
"If anyone is ashamed of me and my words
in this adulterous and sinful generation,
the Son of Man will be ashamed of him
when he comes in his Father's glory
with the holy angels."
(Mark 8:38)
YES I will make the sign of the cross on my lips, praying:
Please help me Lord to proclaim Your Word
through deeds and words!
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Related links:
To read the Pope Benedict's letter for Mission Sunday:
"Let me be a little Kinder!"
(Actions are a means to Proclaim Jesus)
"Receive the Power!"
(The Words of Jesus, Cry and Theme Song for WYD 08)
On Mission Sunday and Maltese Missionaries:
