June 7, 2009: Feast of the Most Holy Trinity

“In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.”

Jesus said to his disciples, “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” (Matthew 28:19)

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. This is surely the shortest and probably the most frequently said prayer next to The Lord’s Prayer. We pray it as we make the sign of the cross. We watch other people sign themselves with the cross, including famous sports figures before a big game or an important throwing of the ball, etc. What does it mean to sign ourselves with the cross of Christ? It means we are Christians because only Christians cross themselves. It says that our God is BIG, VERY BIG! Imagine, if you can, the hugeness of our God! Our God is a family made up of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. This family we call God is united, is ONE!

Action:

When you make the Sign of the Cross and pray the words, think of your own family. Ask God that the unity of God’s family will be reflected in your family. When things are difficult for your family, you can pray for them using the Sign of the Cross. What a powerful thing to do when you’re tempted to yell or argue with someone in your family – signing yourself with the cross instead, and saying “In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.”!