I usually bless my meals with a “God, bless this food and drink” and a sign of the Cross holding my hand extended over or near the food. I was just wondering, making the sign of the corss extended, is that allowable by the laity or is that something exclusive to the clergy? Thanks and God bless.
When I bless my daughter, my home (front door before leaving the house), my animals, I either touch them physically making the Sign of the Cross (usually using Holy Water) or I extend my hand over them. Sometimes my daughter is inspired to bless me and I don’t stop her, I allow her to bless me because as I see it someone who has no sin on their soul, like my little five year old, their blessing must hold beautiful merit with God and often it is her who leads grace at mealtimes.
The Laity may bless each other, animals and objects such as their home. The Priest’s blessing is something entirely different from the blessing of a layperson because they have the Authority of the Apostolic Succession as a Priest in Holy Orders. We as laypeople have the role of priest by rite of our Baptism. It’s a chain command thing, our blessing does not have Apostolic Authority but the Priest’s Blessing does.
You may extend your hand making the Sign of the Cross or you may bless yourself with the Sign of the Cross with the intent of blessing all people present at the meal, the meal and yours and those present, intentions thus Blessing God.
The Sign of the Cross is such a powerful prayer, we all should make the Sign of the Cross more often than we do.
I am just glad and thank God that you say grace, every Catholic home should, but so few do. So God Bless you for remembering to keep a thankful heart and teaching all those in your care to do the same.
