The Sign of the Cross - On "Automatic"?

The Sign of the Cross - On “Automatic”?

I find, at times, that as I make the sign of the Cross, say at Mass, I realize, “Hey, I really just did the motions”.

The Mass moves on, with or without me.

Episodes of my life don’t go into freeze frame at my behest just because an event calls me to recognize the Lord by making the Sign.

Not calling it sacrilegious, disrespectful, or even that the meaning is diminished.

But I do feel a pang when I miss not fully appreciating in real time the spiritual beauty of this prayerful gesture.

So, when I have the time, often as part of beginning my daily devotion, I will expand, just a little, on the profound meaning that the Sign of the Cross represents. 

It goes like this:

In the name of the Father, my Almighty Creator

In the name of His Son, Jesus, my Savior, my Redeemer, my King

In the name of the Holy Spirit, my wonderful counselor, my constant friend, my protector

I acknowledge that by my Baptism I am an adopted child of the one true living God

That I am anointed, I am set apart, I am consecrated and I am chosen!

Amen & Hallelujah!