catholicsphere

Over at the CatholicSource discussion forum, on the “Does the Pope bless fast-food?” thread, Ruth commented that I just find it interesting that there are parts of “mainstream” culture that are making a conscious effort to respect Catholic practice.I find the phenomenon quite interesting too. In a recent entry, I commented particularly on my observance of those concerned with Ash Wednesday; particularly non-Catholics.

I’ve read several articles on “non-denominational” sites like Crosswalk, Christian Post, etc. that have articles about Lenten preparations and even Ash Wednesday observances. In fact, it seems some Methodist churches are including quite Catholic practices of Stations of the Cross and Ash Wednesday. That more and more churches are picking up on the traditions is not at all a bad thing, and maybe we’re getting past some of the traditional Protestant objections to the Catholic observances of Lent.

But that’s not all. Today, I came across an article on Crosswalk.com that explained The Sign of the Cross for Evangelicals”, which practically kicked off with quotes from early Church Fathers Tertullian and St. John Chrysostom.

Over time, Christians have imbued this small, simple gesture with volumes of theological meaning. Holding three fingers together — thumb, forefinger, and middle finger — as you make the sign symbolizes the Trinity. Holding the other two fingers against your palm represents the two natures of Christ, human and divine. Dropping the hand from forehead to waist to begin the gesture represents Christ’s descent to earth. The upward movement that follows represents his resurrection. And so on.

And, it’s not just that folks are talking about these things. It’s more than just the former acknowledgment that “Oh, that’s a Catholic thing”.

After reading these two books [mentioned above in the article], this previously ignorant Protestant, for one, has decided to introduce the sign of the cross into his daily prayer, as a link with the early church, a sign of God’s claim on me, and a reminder of the mystery of the Trinity.

Perhaps we may be making progress after all.

[tags]catholic, church, lent, faith, protestant, sign of the cross, ash wednesday, catholicsphere[/tags]