Scott Hahn wrote many edifying books. Right now I'm reading Signs of Life: 40 Catholic customs and their biblical roots.
Our Church is like a mansion filled with riches beyond imagination; I am like a blind beggar stumbling around the entrance vestibule, longing for light, warmth and food. We've inherited from our Jewish brothers rich customs, rites and teachings. Jesus and His faithful followers heap upon us these gifts, and yet, most of us are wrapped up in our own rags of ignorance. As I read Hahn's explanation of our Catholic customs I keep asking myself 'why didn't I know this before?' I thought I knew all there is to know about the Sign of the Cross, yet, he added much to my understanding. He quotes St. Francis de Sales: " ...the Sign of the Cross is a brief declaration of our faith in the three great mysteries: of our faith in the Blessed Trinity, in the passion of Christ, and in the forgiveness of sin, by which we pass from the left side of curse to the right of blessing." Can anything bring more comfort than humbly asking God, with every Sign of the Cross we make, to remove us from the curses and place us in His blessings?
Yes indeed, we are woefully ignorant of the beauty that every gesture and phrase held for our raised-Jewish ancestors. They understood all these beautiful significances. Loved that book!
ReplyDeleteI am currently reading, The Holy Eucharist by St. Alphonsus De Liguori. Did you know that "The priest then leaving the left side of the altar, which represents the Jewish people, passes to the right side, which represents the Gentiles, who accepted the Gospel that was rejected by the Jews." This happens when the priest reads the Gospel. Further St. Alphonsus says "It is an ancient custom to stand during the reading of the Gospel, to show that we are ready to follow the precepts and counsels that our Lord points to us."
I am with you my friend... Why didn't we know these rich and wonderful parts of our faith heritage?
I wonder how many people know that when the priest faced away from the people he was, like Moses, leading God's people. Now, in the new rite, facing the people, too many shepherds feel like performers- I miss the leadership.
DeleteI did not know the reasons for moving from left to right. Thank you!
InHisservice & PrayerWarrior,
ReplyDeleteThank You for sharing the rich traditions of the Sign of the Cross & gestures on the alter with the reading of the Gospel. How often I make the Sign of the Cross on auto pilot! Thoughts of His Passion & Forgiveness & Crossing from the left side of the curse to the right of blessing- What a prayer, in so many times of need!!
Passing from the left to the right is even woven into the reading of the Gospel! If only our traditions, (The Truth), was REALLY known & not twisted & lied about, maybe the hearts & minds of more people would be led to The Truth.
Amen!
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