Sign of the cross before the Gospel?

[mikefromflorida]

I was wondering why the sign of the cross is different before the gospel from the traditional signing of the cross. I have always wondered about this. why do we sign a cross over our head , lips , and chest instead of the head , chest, and cross the shoulders. Is there some significances to this. Just curious if anyone knows. I know that the gospel is special because it is jesus’s words. but why the different sign.

 

[James_2033]

We make the sign this way to say may the gospel be in our mind, on our lips and in our heart.

 

[mikefromflorida]

thank you

 

[Seatuck]

Traditionally we say a little prayer.

Lord may your word{some say gospel} always be on my mind ( sign on your forehead)
on my lips ( sign on your lips)
and in my heart ( sign on your heart.

 

[The_Smiter]

What is this action called?

 

[Evan]

It is the more ancient form of the sign of the cross. In the Roman Empire, a sign was tatooed on a person as to his regiment, or owner, etc. The Catholics took to making the sign on their forehead as they were in submission to Christ. We also use the ancient sign on Ash Wednesday when we are visibly signed as a follower of Christ.

 

[tampasteve]

As an interesting side note, some Coptic Christians have cross tattoos on their foreheads or wrists for similar reasons. Of course it started with the Ottomans making them have the sign, but now it is more out of devotion to the faith and to make a statement.

I have a chi-roe on my forearm and a cross on my back for the same reasons.

Steve

 

[japhy]

Here’s my take on the gesture:

The priest or deacon asks for a blessing that they may worthily proclaim the Gospel. The priest blesses the deacon saying, “May the Lord be in your heart and on your lips…”; the priest himself prays similar words: “Cleanse my heart and my lips, Almighty God…” (Liturgy of the Word, OM 14; cf. Isaiah 6:6-7) As the Gospel begins, we sign our foreheads, our lips, and our hearts with the Sign of the Cross: this action is accompanied by a silent prayer that the Lord might keep the Gospel in our minds, on our lips, and in our hearts. This should be our prayer as we go out to fulfill the mission of the Church.