The (Large) Sign Of The Cross Done Rightly

Tertullian (d. ca. 250) In all our travels and movements, in all our coming in and going out, in putting on our shoes, at the bath, at the table, in lighting our candles, in lying down, in sitting down, whatever employment occupies us, we mark our foreheads with the Sign of the Cross (De corona, 30).

The Sign of the Cross is both a prayer and a ritual blessing.

The way in which a worshipper makes the Sign of the Cross can say a lot about a person's intentions and practice of the Faith.

1. Is the gesture deliberate and reverent, or careless and rushed?
2. Is the gesture lazy or haphazard?
3. Does someone look like they're swatting flies?
4. Are some words omitted?

Picture any of the above scenarios, but replace ‘Sign of the Cross’ with a loving gesture toward a spouse. Now imagine it as a half-hearted kiss, a limp hug, or even a weak handshake with a friend. The way the gesture is carried out can say a lot about what the other person may or may not be feeling and thinking. What do we want to offer to God?

Let's review the correct way to make the large Sign of the Cross. First, the words.

In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.

or

In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Not...

In the Name of the Father, Son, and Spirit. Amen.

"and of the"

CCC1223 All the Old Covenant prefigurations find their fulfillment in Christ Jesus. He begins his public life after having himself baptized by St. John the Baptist in the Jordan. After his resurrection Christ gives this mission to his apostles: "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you."(cf. 17 Cf. Mt 3:13; Mt 28:19-20; cf. Mk 16:15-16).

Good Grammar and Orthodox Theology

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sign_of_the_cross
• https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/13785a.htm
• https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/library/significance-of-the-sign-of-the-cross-4999
• https://www.catholic.com/qa/what-is-the-significance-of-making-the-sign-of-the-cross-before-and-after-private-prayer

The Sign involves touching the forehead, chest, left shoulder, then the right shoulder, invoking the Holy Trinity and Christ's sacrifice.

The order of making the Sign.

1. The right hand touches the forehead (heaven),
2. then the centre of the chest or the belly (earth),
3. then the left shoulder (sin)
4. and lastly the right shoulder (grace), representing the transition from darkness to light, from sin to grace.

Place the left hand extended under the breast. Hold the right hand extended. At the word Patris [Father] raise it and touch the forehead; at Filii [Son] touch the breast at a sufficient distance down, but above the left hand; at Spiritus Sancti [Holy Spirit] touch the left and right shoulders; at Amen join the hands if they are to be joined. The Ceremonies of the Roman Rite by Adrian Fortescue and J. B. O’Connell

What about the hands?

Many meaningful local or regional variations have found their way into the gestural lexicon of the Church. The open right hand with thumb tucked in is perhaps the simplest form. After making the Sign, some worshippers form a cross with their right thumb over their forefinger in the shape of a cross and kiss it.

Many of our Eastern Catholic brethren make the Sign as follows:

1. Using the right hand, with the thumb, index finger, and middle finger together, symbolizing the Holy Trinity, the remaining two fingers are tucked into the palm, representing the two natures of Jesus—Divine and Human. 
2. The Sign is traditionally made from right to left, symbolizing Christ's descent from the heavens to the earth.
3. Touch the forehead first, followed by the chest, then the right shoulder, and finally the left shoulder, confirming love for the Lord with all of our heart, mind, and strength. 
4. The Sign gesture is often accompanied by a bow.

Divine Worship - the Venerable English Mass of the Personal Ordinariates

The Final Blessing

Turning back to the altar, the Priest says: The peace of God, which passeth all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God, and of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord; He kisses the altar and, turning to the People, making the Sign of the Cross over them, he says: and the blessing X of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be amongst you, and remain with you always.

People: Amen.

Pontifical Blessing

The Bishop or Ordinary then receives the pastoral staff, if he uses it, and says: The peace of God, which passeth all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God, and of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord; Making the sign of the cross over them three times, he continues: and the blessing X of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be amongst you, and remain with you always.

People: Amen.

The priest or bishop, acting in persona Christi - in the person of Christ. God Himself is blessing the assembly through His priest.

Round Up

People express themselves in countless ways—politically, socially, and emotionally. Some expressions are wonderfully creative, respectful, and courageous, while others can be so destructive they verge on the diabolical. By making the Sign of the Cross publicly - over a meal, when passing a Catholic church, when an emergency vehicle passes, or when witnessing a beautiful exchange between a parent and child - we can bring the light of Christ to others who may catch a glimpse of Jesus Who saved us by His life, death and resurrection, and liberates us from the tyranny of sin and death. We can offer gratitude to God for the opportunity to witness beauty, truth and goodness. By making the Sign, we can express gratitude for those who serve others lovingly. We can acknowledge the Presence of God and express the need for mercy. Others may not fully understand the reason or reasons for our spiritual act of mercy. The charitable meaning and power of the Sign of the Cross is not diminished.

It has been said that Catholics are a people of signs. We believe in signs from God; we test the spirits to ensure we are not led astray by false prophets and false gods (1 John 4:1-6). We have a vast vocabulary for expressing the truth, goodness and beauty of God: icons; stained glass; frescoes; statuary; sacred song; architecture; furniture; fabrics; devotional aids such as the Holy Rosary, the Brown Scapular; and so on. The Word made flesh is revealed to those who receive His Body and Blood, making us living tabernacles carrying the Lord into the world.