The Sign of the Cross

Why do our Catholic/Lutheran/Episcopal brothers and sisters make the sign of the cross at certain times. Making the sign of the cross often happens at odd moments. For example, many baseball players make the sign of the cross as they step into the batter’s box. Some soccer players do likewise before attempting a penalty shot. Is this merely a superstitious practice? A good-luck ritual? The cross symbol is also a wildly popular item of jewelry. Why would one wear a cross — the symbol of unspeakable and horrible cruelty — as jewelry? To identify oneself as a Christian? Because, with all its diamonds, it’s pretty? How does the cross appear in our culture. How was the cross was perceived by cultures in Jesus’ time. What is the “sign of the cross” to us today? What does the cross signify to us?