In a setting where the external display of one’s faith in dress, in facial appearance and food are visible markers of a strong statement of faith identity there is something very profound about going up to receive the sign of the cross on one’s forehead.
A sign of deep humility, of a personal commitment to turn from evil and turn to Christ
and an indication of a private inward grace;
and yet it, in leaving a mark for all to see and note, it’s a public declaration of faith.
The thought occurs to me:
How much more responsibly would we live out our faith day to day if marked by a visible sign of the cross?