Why some people bless themselves during Mass

Of course, when Mass begins and ends we bless ourselves with the sign of the cross. But when we’re in mass do you ever wonder why some people bless themselves with the Sign of the Cross after the Act of Contrition. —-

“ I confess to Almighty God, and to you, my brothers and sisters, that I have greatly sinned, in my thoughts and in my words, in what I have done and in what I have failed to do, through my fault, through my fault, through my most grievous fault; therefore I ask blessed Mary ever-Virgin, all the Angels and Saints, and you, my brothers and sisters, to pray for me to the Lord our God.”

Well, I didn’t know this most of my life. But at that moment when the priest responds. “May Almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life.” We receive absolution for our venial sins. ( unlike confession which is a sacrament, this absolution translates to a plea for mercy!)That prepares us for receiving the Eucharist.

Though it is not required as part of the liturgy of the Holy Mass. It is an optional response to God’s mercy as we recognize His unbounding love for us.

So next mass you attend think about it and you’ll see many around you crossing themselves at that moment.

I love this because it does brings me into the moment and I feel closer to Him.