An Invitation

"When I was a boy my mother taught me to make the sign of the cross as I knelt for my prayers at bedtime. For all the years since then I have signed myself at the start and close of my prayers. But in retrospect I realize that, while I have always done it respectfully, until lately I did it routinely, superficially, and unaware of its significance. My recent experience has changed my view of the sign of the cross and my practice of it. I feel that I have recovered the tremendous power of this most ancient Christian prayer.

"Sometimes as I sign myself I imagine that I have traveled back in time to Calvary. With Mary, Mary Magdalen, and John, I stand at the foot of the cross as a witness to the Lord's supreme sacrifice. I watch him die a horrific death out of love for me. Then a soldier pierces his side and a flood of graces flows from his heart. I am engulfed in unimaginable blessings. With this book I encourage you to join me at his cross. Come with me to Golgotha, where you also will discover the life-transforming power of the holy gesture and open yourself more fully to its wonderful graces. . . .

"No empty gesture, the sign of the cross is a potent prayer that engages the Holy Spirit as the divine advocate and agent of our successful Christian living. When we trace it on our body, it stirs up the new life of the Spirit that we received in baptism and vitalizes our prayer by drawing us closer to God. Making the sign affirms our decision to follow Christ, allowing him to assume our burdens and free us to live joyfully. The sign of the cross is also a practical tool for dealing with problems. It invites Christ to support us in our pain and suffering and works handily to defuse our worst inclinations and to dispel the temptations of the devil. And the sign is much more, for with a slight motion of the hand and a few simple words it sums up the truth and power of the Christian life."