THE SIGN OF THE CROSS

        The Sign of the Cross is the most terrible weapon against the Devil.  Thus the Church wishes not only that we should have it continually in front of our minds to recall to us just what our souls are worth and what they cost Jesus Christ, but also that we should make it at every turning point ourselves; when we get up, when we begin any action and, above all, when we are tempted.  We can say that a Christian who makes the Sign of the Cross with genuine religious sentiments, that is to say, when fully aware of the action he is performing, makes all Hell tremble.  But when we make the Sign of the Cross we must make it not by habit but with respect, with attention and thinking of what we are doing.  Ah, dear Lord, with what devout awe we should be filled when we make the Sign of the Cross upon ourselves and recall that we are pronouncing all that we hold holy and most sacred in our religion!

 

                                             ~ by the Cure of Ars, Saint John Marie Vianney