On the Eucharist: Thoughts from the Pew (2)
Signum crucis
As is often typical at Mass, the Sign of the Cross becomes a hurried, thoughtless gesture where we become oblivious of the trouble and triumph that is contained therein. Yes, trouble and triumph.
By this mysterious gesture, we enter a judgement to the destined path of Trinity for the aware. The cross is at the same time a beginning and an end; a misery and a victory, misery for the unaware and victory for the faithful. Our baptism becomes our alibi and the impetus that forges us on to heaven.
The sign of the cross is the very same sign that shall appear as our judgement at the end of time (Mt 24:30); a judgement already begun at Mass, starting from that simple gesture.
I do not judge myself, I only, in my wretchedness, stick with the Church and the faith of Peter, where I realize that this journey is a done deal; that the war is a won one.
Signum crucis is the beginning, the threshold of His house, whence, staying put benefits more than lingering at the tents of the wicked (Ps 84: 10).
How often necessary it is then, that we multiply this sign daily. It becomes a judgement to the world, a judgement where opinionizing is useless and only mercy is necessary.
I realize then why, at Mass, after the gesture of the cross, there comes quickly a plead for mercy: the Confiteor.
