How do you make the three crosses?

Use your thumb to trace a small cross on your forehead, lips, and chest as the Gospel is announced. The Roman Missal includes this gesture for the congregation as well as the minister proclaiming the Gospel. [2]

Why this moment in the Mass?

The Gospel receives particular honor because the Church listens to Christ speaking through it. In a catechesis on the Mass, Pope Francis connected standing, the three crosses, candles, and incense with this recognition of Christ’s presence in the proclamation.

His explanation also takes the meaning beyond listening to a story about the past. Hearing the Gospel asks for a response in the life we are living now. [3]

Mind, lips, and heart

The bishops’ guide to liturgical gestures explains the three crosses as a prayer that God’s word may remain in our minds, on our lips, and in our hearts. [1]

Let the gesture become a real intention

Before the next Gospel, take a breath and give each small cross a moment of attention. You might ask for help understanding a difficult passage, speaking more kindly to someone, or receiving a word you have been resisting. Those are personal ways to reflect on the gesture, rather than extra words everyone is required to say.

After Mass, return to one sentence that stayed with you. Write it down or read it again later. Ask what response it invites in an ordinary conversation or decision. Beginning with something that small can make it easier to carry your listening into the rest of the day.

Sources & further reading

  1. USCCB: Praying with Body, Mind, and Voice — making the Sign of the Cross (PDF)
  2. General Instruction of the Roman Missal, 134 — the gesture before the Gospel
  3. Pope Francis, general audience of 7 February 2018 — hearing and responding to the Gospel

This explainer describes the Roman Rite. The links above distinguish liturgical instructions from commentary and reflection. Suggest a correction.