Deepertruth: The History Of Lent, and The Sign Of The Cross

One of the most visible signs that identify Catholics together as a group is “The Sign Of The Cross” which depicts the cross as a sign and a prayer of the Trinity, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

In Baptism, we are given a mark sealed by the Trinity. Jesus instructs the Church to Baptize the nations in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. The Sign of the Cross reflects this mark given to us at our Baptism. Just as in the time of Ezekiel, we have a choice to follow God or follow the way of the world.

The book of Revelation also speaks of another mark on the forehead of those who reject God. We definitely do not want this mark! Through the Sacraments, we are made clean so that before the Lord, we are made innocent (Rev 14:4-5). Just as it was in the day of Ezekiel, we have a mark that is like the original “X” and it is made into a “+”.