Hello,
I became Catholic in 2003 thru RCIA, and I have a question. Why is it that before the homily, the priest makes the sign of the cross on his head, mouth, and heart with his THUMB? Why not his index finger? I know why he makes the sign of the cross- God is in your mind, your voice, and your heart, but why is the THUMB used?
Thanks!
2007-08-06 14:25:59 · 13 answers · asked by babymomma 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
It's the "little cross" -- you'll see a priest make it in the same way when annointing the sick, and at other times as well. I'm not sure how it originated, but I believe it's also done -- not just by priests, but by other religious and the laity -- at the beginning of the Liturgy of the Hours when "Lord, open my lips" is said.
Welcome Home, by the way!
2007-08-06 14:56:34 · answer #1 · answered by Clare † 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The thumb only was used for two reasons. First, because long ago (and currently today in Eastern Orthodox Churches), the sign of the cross was made with the thumb, first finger and middle finger grouped together to represent God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit (three in one). The thumb, being first on the hand, represented God the Father, so when a single digit was used to make a blessing, it was the thumb.
The second reason is because the thumb was considered to have a direct path to the heart. Nowadays, we know that all the digits are connected to the hearth through blood vessels, but back then, they thought that since they could feel the pulse only through the thumb, the thumb had the direct connection.
2007-08-07 07:26:00 · answer #2 · answered by sparki777 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
One is not limited to making the Sign of the Cross with the index finger only. God gave us four fingers and a thumb on each hand. Why is it wrong to use any of them when making the sign of the cross.
Traditionally, when it comes to the signs of the cross on the forehead, lips, and heart, the thumbs is used because (I think) the priest makes a simliar cross sign on the Bible - with his thumb - as he is preparing to proclaim the Gospel reading. He then makes the mini-signs of the cross on himself, with the congregation following.
2007-08-07 00:13:41 · answer #3 · answered by Daver 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
To do otherwise, is an ancient blessing. Have you ever seen the picture of the Sacred Heart of Jesus? Jesus has His thumb and the pointer/middle finger up as He is blessing.
The priests, use the thumb so as not to accidently give Christ's form of blessing! Plus, the knocking upon the heart sign, that is because man is sinful.
2007-08-06 14:38:03 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Good question, I never even thought about that. But, try doing the same thing with your index finger and it feels pretty wierd. I mean, when I do it with your thumb it feels more natural and normal. But for me it feels wierd when I use the index finger. And the pinky, middle finger (oh, that would be an interesting thing, everybody might think that we're giving the finger at them) and ring finger feel wierd as well. But I don't think that it has to be the thumb.
2007-08-06 14:36:42 · answer #5 · answered by Sam H 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
just a matter of ease of style to bless your mind voice and heart ...also the finger would probably look more like an accusation then an innocent blessing .
2007-08-06 14:31:38 · answer #6 · answered by dogpatch USA 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because we keep the words on our minds, lips and in our hearts!
Seriously...the priest told me.
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well, I didn't read the whole question, sorry, but the reason they use the thumb is because
http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/13785a.htm
the 4th paragraph down...
2007-08-06 14:36:10 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
Just because it is on the near side of the right hand?
When making the sign of the cross on babies at baptism,
& anointing them with oiI, we also use the thumb.
2007-08-06 14:33:23 · answer #8 · answered by Robert S 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
It's before the gospel reading, and I don't know about the thumb, I think it's just easier.
I know this didn't help very much, I've never really thought about it.
2007-08-06 14:33:39 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
No reason I personally know about. Next time mass is over approach the priest and ask him if there is a reason.
2007-08-06 14:34:34 · answer #10 · answered by SDC 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋