1/18/2023

Deacon Randy’s reflection in his homily last week on the “Sign of the Cross” led me to reflect on it as well. This is a simple sign which incorporates both the center of our religion, the Trinity, and the ultimate expression of God’s love for us, the crucifix. It is all in one brief yet profound gesture. I am fond of quoting one of our monks who used to say, “Deeds done daily are done dully, unless they are done deeply.” This is true of the Sign of the Cross, and there is great depth to it.
The juxtaposition of two key tenets of our belief, the Trinity and the crucifixion, points to a depth, indeed to the heart of what we believe. First the Trinity. For all eternity, the three persons of the Trinity have been in a love relationship: The Father gives himself totally to the Son, and the Son gives himself back totally to the Father. This mutual total self-gift and reception of the other’s gift produces a bond which is the Holy Spirit. All three exist from all eternity, and will exist eternally. They are dynamically self-sustaining, independent, and unified as ONE. While I don’t totally understand how God is both ONE God and THREE PERSONS, it does make sense that if God is love, then God gives himself totally. That is what love does. So it does make sense that God is a community in which love is expressed perfectly. It is just that my imagination fails me in picturing how pure spiritual beings give themselves totally.
Why is that? Well, for us humans we measure love in terms of self-sacrifice. Self-sacrifice is somewhat measureable in material ways. We give things like time, energy, money, etc. as signs of our love. And there is not a perfect correlation, as for example a wealthy philanthropist’s gift of $10,000 might be more materially, but represent less of a sacrifice than the widow’s mite. But in general, that is how it is measured. The ultimate sacrifice is to give one’s life, as Christ says, “No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” (Jn 15:13) So the crucifixion, done in obedience to the Father and for the sake of us sinners, is the ultimate sign of love. In one act it says who God is – love – and who we are – His beloved. In the Sacrifice of the Mass, which begins with the Sign of the Cross, we have the opportunity to participate in the suffering, death, and resurrection of Christ. It incorporates us into the dynamic of total self-giving of the Trinity, into the community which is the Trinity. We do that through becoming part of the Body of Christ, the 2nd Person of the Trinity, who gives Himself totally to the Father.
So the Sign of the Cross is profound, yet simple. Do the action deliberately, not absent-mindedly, and think of the great mysteries of the Trinity and our Redemption on the cross which are expressed in one simple action.
Isn’t it great to be Catholic?
It is a joy to practice our faith together in this parish!

Father Albert, O.S.B.