Msg Base:  AREA 5  - ASK FATHER            CIN ECHO   AMDG
  Msg No: 107.  Sun  7-28-91 15:54
    From: Father Mateo
      To: Mike Campbell
 Subject: Sings of the Cross

Dear Mike,
 
Jungmann in his "Mass of the Roman Rite" says:
 
"The desire to grasp the sacred word of God and to secure its
blessings ... found a lasting expression in ... the sign of the
cross.  In the ninth century for the first time do we come across the
practice of the faithful signing a cross on their foreheads after the
deacon greets them.  Then we hear of another custom, the deacon and
all those present imprinting the cross on forehead and breast after
the words "A reading of the holy gospel, etc.".  About the eleventh
century mention is made of forehead, mouth, and breast, and since
that time also of the signing of the book....  The original idea of
this signing of oneself is probably indicated in the scriptural text
frequently cited in this connection, the quotation about the wicked
enemy who is anxious to take the seed of the word of God away from
the hearts of the hearers (Mark 4:15)....  But another explanation
takes over by degrees; an ever-increasing stress is placed on the
readiness to acknowledge God's word with courage....  The meaning is
this:  For the word which Christ brought and which is set down in
this book we are willing to stand up with a mind that is open; we are
ready to confess it with our mouth; and above all we are determined
to safeguard it faithfully in our hearts."
 
                                  Sincerely in Christ,
                                  Father Mateo