Pope [Francis] at Angelus: The Sign of the Cross makes us feel God's embrace
A Reflection by Fred Schaeffer, OFS
Wishing you all a Blessed Easter Octave. In between all the news from the Vatican, I kept hearing tiny bits of words and quotes that came around to the Embrace of God compared to a large Sign of the Cross. The news concerning the recent passing of the Holy Father also pointed to an Embrace. So what was the connection? On June 4, 2023, Pope Francis said: “The Sign of the Cross makes us feel God’s embrace.” In the Angeles address, on the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity, the Pope said that the simple gesture, that we learn as children, makes us feel God's embrace, that, with His Love and tenderness He envelops us completely.
If you remember this relationship each time you make the Sign of the Cross, you will feel God’s embrace often, probably when you need Him the most. During periods of unrest and strife, when we’re just not feeling well, we strongly hanker for God’s help and love. The Sign of the Cross, brings Jesus to you. And we'll soon be happy again.
Within the Roman Catholic Church, the sign of the cross is a sacramental, which the Church defines as "sacred signs which bear a resemblance to the sacraments." We say words when we make the sign of the Cross, “In the Name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” So it is a Trinitarian prayer. Even in saying these words we embrace God. Let us pray for Peace in the world and for the Love of God to be realized by all.
Pope Francis, may he rest in peace.
The Conclave begins not earlier than 15 days after a pope's passing, so perhaps May 6th. Please pray for this process to be peaceful and productive.
Fred Schaeffer, OFS
April 23, 2025
A bit of breakfast on the beach
a short Reflection by Fred Schaeffer, OFS
Years ago, a newly ordained priest-friend sent me a prayer card commemorating his Ordination. On the card was an image of Jesus in a circle with other men, his Apostles, about to consume a piece of fish for a meal. Maybe it was breakfast. The other day, it came up in Holy Scripture, (cf. John 21: 4, 12-14): "Just as day was breaking, Jesus stood on the beach; yet the disciples did not know it was Jesus. Jesus said to them, "come and have breakfast." Now none of the disciples dared ask him, Who are you? Jesus came, took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish. This was now the third time Jesus appeared to his disciples after he was raised from the dead."
In the ancient days, sharing bread, fish (something to eat) meant offering friendship, so perhaps we should do that too, in the current Century. Isn't that what a priest does as he celebrates Holy Mass, sharing the Lord's Grace with those in his flock? I don't have the prayer card anymore but it made a deep impression on me.
Peace,
bro Fred