08/09/2022
*THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE SIGN OF THE CROSS AT THE BEGINNING OF MASS AND THE ENDING OF MASS*
Presently, due to a deeper understanding and wider exploration, theologians are divided about when exactly the Mass begins. For some, it begins with the movement of the Priest from the sacristy and that of the Faithful from their homes. For some, it begins with the Entrance/Processional Hymn and for others, it begins with the sign of the cross. Nonetheless, the point of this work is not to resolve these differences but just to answer the question, what is the difference between the sign of the cross at the beginning and end of Mass? Yet before then, there lies a point of interest that requires clarification. The question is, what is the proper order for the sign of the cross, right first or left first?
From time immemorial, Catholics of the Latin rite make the sign of the cross in the following order: The right-hand moves from the top (forehead) to bottom (chest) and then from left (left shoulder) to right (right shoulder). Christians of the Eastern rite order it differently, that is: From top to bottom and then from right to left.
According to Liberious Lumma (2017), there are several theological interpretations of that difference. The biblical meaning of “the left side” is different from “the right side”. In a simplified manner, we could say that in the biblical worldview the right side is good, noble, and heavenly, while the left is bad, low, and earthly. Against this background, we can easily imagine a large symbolic difference depending on whether you move from left to right (symbol of ascension) or right to left (symbol of incarnation). We leave this at this point to avoid an entire digression since this too has many historical colorations.
Properly speaking, the sign of the cross at the beginning of the Mass is an invocation of the triune God, that is, God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. By such act, we invite, summon and invoke God.
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Obadiah ishaku