I AM A CATHOLIC AND WAS TAUGHT TO MAKE THE SIGN OF THE CROSS IN FRONT OF A CATHOLIC CHURCH I WAS JUST WONDERING IF ANY ONE HAD ANY HISTORY OR REASON OF WHY WE DO THIS
2006-11-02 09:07:00 · 12 answers · asked by FLOWER 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Because you are passing in front of holy ground, in front of where the eucharist takes place each sunday. And because in every church there is a "tabernacle" where The blessed Hosts are kept.
It is a sign of reverence to Christ presence in the Eucharist.
2006-11-02 09:10:10 · answer #1 · answered by Dominicanus 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
When we enter a churchl, dip our fingertips into the holy water, and make a sign of the cross, we are reminding ourselves of our baptism.
I think traditions like making the sign of the cross when passing a church are signs of respect. I know people who do the same when passing a cemetary. I personally make the sign of the cross when I hear sirens from emergeny vehicles as a quick prayer for the safety of all involved. Any which way, as far as I know, there is no official reason to do any of this; it's personal piety.
2006-11-02 17:19:28 · answer #2 · answered by Church Music Girl 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It's just to signify and honour the Lords presence in the Holy Eucharist in the Tarbancle.
2006-11-02 17:10:43 · answer #3 · answered by STAR POWER=) 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is done while crossing the front door as a sign of respect for the consecrated host in the tabernacle, and that we pass in front of the altar and crusifix.
2006-11-02 17:10:51 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
It is a sign of respect,because the church is the bride of Jesus.
2006-11-02 17:11:47 · answer #5 · answered by Gardenia 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
It's a sign of respect. that is why we genuflect in the church as well. it's to respect and honor and remember Jesus died for us, and to honor Mary as well!
2006-11-04 22:01:39 · answer #6 · answered by me 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's out of respect because we are entering 'God's House'.
Much like you would take off your shoes upon entering a Japanese house.
2006-11-02 17:16:29 · answer #7 · answered by mesquitemachine 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I used to be Catholic and you might not like what I have to say about it.
Basically, the Catholic religion is based on superstition, tradition, and pagan rituals. Constantine mixed Christianity in with the Roman pagan culture and Catholocism was born.
The traditions like you mention, the statues, the rituals and many other aspects of the Catholic religion are done with no understanding as you have proved.
As Catholics, we are taught to just follow the traditions without being taught WHY or where Jesus taught to do it. Little things like you mention are designed to make you build faith in the church and not in Christ. You are honoring a building, not God.
God is everywhere, not just in that building so why only pay respect to God in church and not in your day to day life?
Jesus Himself taught against such things...
Matthew 6:5-6 (King James Version)
5And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
6But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.
2006-11-02 17:17:29 · answer #8 · answered by IL Padrino 4 · 0⤊ 5⤋
EVERY LITTLE BIT HELPS...not really it is said that when passing a home of your father it is respect.
2006-11-02 17:09:11 · answer #9 · answered by M J 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sorry if this offends you, but Catholics (in my opinion) are the worst hypocrites and they are always putting on a show for others.
2006-11-02 17:10:00 · answer #10 · answered by Kayt 5 · 0⤊ 5⤋