Why Sign Ourselves at the Gospel?

Q: My son wants to know: What is the story behind the symbols of making the Sign of the Cross on our forehead, mouth and heart just before the Gospel is read?

A: When I was a young boy, we were taught to sign ourselves the same way the priest does when he begins to read the Gospel?on the forehead, lips and heart. We were told to say at the same time, "Jesus, be on my mind, on my lips and in my heart."

The signing of book and self is a reminder of the respect and love we should have for Christ and his word. We should always have in mind the word and example of Jesus, keep him close to our hearts and be ready to proclaim him and his word to the world.

Balthasar Fischer, in Signs, Words and Gestures (Pueblos), puts it this way: "The Sign of the Cross on forehead, lips and heart also has to do with this Lord who is entering the assembly and will now speak. Everyone present is saying as it were, Now I must pay attention. It is my Lord who speaks. Since my Baptism I have belonged to him body and soul, in my thoughts, words and feelings.?"

In other words, we are to be completely and entirely devoted to Christ.