The sign of the cross is a simple gesture that reminds us of love that is modeled in the Holy Trinity. We are marked with the sign of the cross in baptism which means that we belong to God. We make the sign of the cross before and after we pray. The sign of the cross is at the beginning and end of our days and lives.

What about that fear the priest felt when he saw the soldier at the door? What about the fear the people felt in the Washington and Baltimore area in these three weeks when the sniper was loose? People were afraid to go to the gas station to get gas. Parents were running with their children from their cars to the store. There was no school in many towns.

What about our fears? Are we afraid about a war starting with Iraq? Will our children, grand- children, or friends have to fight in that war? Is the failing economy going to take away my job? Will I be able to pay for all the pills that I am taking? What is going to happen to me in the next few years?

The priest knew that the soldier was a friend. The sniper was caught. What a relief. There was no need to be afraid anymore.

When we see the cross, we should have the same relief. We don’t need to be afraid anymore because God loves us so much that his son gave his life for us. Jesus’ death on the cross and rising from the dead has conquered all evil. We don’t need to be afraid anymore.

The Mass that we celebrate each week is called the Sacrifice of the Mass because the death and resurrection of Jesus is made present upon this altar. We eat this sacrificial meal at Holy Communion.