When we make the sign of the cross, we proclaim the message of salvation purchased by Jesus through the cross. The Bible clearly states : “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved, is the power of God” (1 Corinthians 1:18).

The Bible teaches us to be proud of it, as the message of the cross is the power of God; “But God forbid that I  should boast except  in the Cross  of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me and I to the world (Gal. 6:14) .”

The Cross symbolizes our day to day sufferings without which there is no crown for Christians. When Peter tried to keep Jesus away from the Cross, He called Peter “Satan”. So it is clear, Satan is afraid and keeps himself away fron the cross as it is through the Cross, that  Jesus destroyed the devils kingdom, and saved mankind from the slavery of sin and death.

Early Christians , even before the Bible was formed, kept this spiritual  practice to keep  Satan away and to save themselves from the power of  evil.

Cyril of Jerusalem  wrote in AD 386 : “Let  us therefore not be ashamed  of the cross of Christ; but though another hide it, do thou openly zeal  it upon thy fore head, that the devils  may beheld the royal sign at eating and drinking, at lying down, at rising up, at speaking, at walking, in a word at every act.”

Ephrem of Syria testifies in AD 373 : ” Make all your actions  with the life giving Cross. Do not go out ” from the doors of your house till you have signed yourself with a cross. Do not neglect that sign whether in eating and drinking or going to sleep, or in  the home or going on a journey. There is no habit to be compared with it. Let it be a protecting wall around all your conduct, and teach it to your children that they may earnestly learn the custom.

Thousands of saints used this sign to be victorious  over satanic attacks as it is through this sign  that Jesus made possible the forgiveness of our sins. In the Christian world, the Sign of the Cross was widely used  very effectively  in exorcism through out the centuries. Christians must use this sign proudly as it terrifies Satan and the Bible proves it.

Jesus says to us “Take your cross and follow me.” Let this great Catholic Tradition be a habit in all our actions.