Faith Bites Part II
What is its Origins?
Q: I was recently asked where the Sign of the Cross comes from, but I could not give an answer. We all bless ourselves without thinking how this tradition started.
A: The words are the second half of Matthew 28:19, part of Jesus’ final words to the apostles.
I am not sure when and where this gesture was first used. My guess is that it was not until Christianity had become a legal religion in the Roman Empire (313 A.D.).
Artistic depictions of the crucified Jesus come after that date. I suspect this gesture was used soon after Christianity became first a legal religion and later the empire’s state religion (fifth century).
In the Eastern Churches (both Orthodox and Catholic), people touch the right shoulder first and then the left—the opposite of the Western custom. There are different explanations for this variation.
The cross symbolizes Jesus’ generous love, which makes our salvation possible.
Can I be Redeemed?
Q: I am a Catholic. My wife and I were married by a justice of the peace 35 years ago. I understand that means I am excommunicated. If so, what can I do to become redeemed?
A: Redemption is God’s responsibility, and only God knows a person’s heart well enough to make that awesome judgment.
Regarding marriages, the Catholic Church makes judgments on the basis of public facts. In this case, your Baptism, your marriage by a justice of the peace and your obligation to follow Catholic “form” (marriage by a priest or other previously authorized representative) are all public facts.
It sounds as if you did not follow Catholic “form.” Your baptismal certificate and your record of marriage by a justice of the peace may be enough for your pastor to determine that. Then a priest or deacon can “convalidate” (regularize) your marriage within the Catholic Church.
Even now, you can go to Mass whenever you like. The Church understands that you need to convalidate your marriage before receiving the Eucharist. I encourage you to speak with your pastor or another member of your parish staff.
Q: I was recently asked where the Sign of the Cross comes from, but I could not give an answer. We all bless ourselves without thinking how this tradition started.
A: The words are the second half of Matthew 28:19, part of Jesus’ final words to the apostles.
I am not sure when and where this gesture was first used. My guess is that it was not until Christianity had become a legal religion in the Roman Empire (313 A.D.).
Artistic depictions of the crucified Jesus come after that date. I suspect this gesture was used soon after Christianity became first a legal religion and later the empire’s state religion (fifth century).
In the Eastern Churches (both Orthodox and Catholic), people touch the right shoulder first and then the left—the opposite of the Western custom. There are different explanations for this variation.
The cross symbolizes Jesus’ generous love, which makes our salvation possible.
Can I be Redeemed?
Q: I am a Catholic. My wife and I were married by a justice of the peace 35 years ago. I understand that means I am excommunicated. If so, what can I do to become redeemed?
A: Redemption is God’s responsibility, and only God knows a person’s heart well enough to make that awesome judgment.
Regarding marriages, the Catholic Church makes judgments on the basis of public facts. In this case, your Baptism, your marriage by a justice of the peace and your obligation to follow Catholic “form” (marriage by a priest or other previously authorized representative) are all public facts.
It sounds as if you did not follow Catholic “form.” Your baptismal certificate and your record of marriage by a justice of the peace may be enough for your pastor to determine that. Then a priest or deacon can “convalidate” (regularize) your marriage within the Catholic Church.
Even now, you can go to Mass whenever you like. The Church understands that you need to convalidate your marriage before receiving the Eucharist. I encourage you to speak with your pastor or another member of your parish staff.
posted by See Tho Zhang Jacob at
2:06 PM
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