Our worship this past Sunday for the Day of Pentecost included not only five spoken languages, but also the expressive hand movements of Maryann Guglier, our American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter. Thanks to all who communicated God’s Word in so many meaningful ways.

Gestures are a form of nonverbal communication in which visible bodily actions convey messages alongside spoken words or, at times, without words at all. They include movements of the hands, face, or body. Religious traditions have long embraced gestures as expressions of faith. In fact, seminarians are actually taught their use, and a keen eye can sometimes identify a pastor’s educational background simply by watching how they lead worship!

One of Christianity’s oldest and most recognizable gestures is the sign of the cross. The earliest clear references appear in the early third century. Christian writer Tertullian, often called the “Father of Latin Christianity,” described believers marking themselves with the sign of the cross throughout daily life, suggesting the practice was already widespread in his time. By the fourth century, St. Basil referred to it as an unwritten apostolic tradition closely connected to baptism and Christian identity.

Although the gesture is most commonly associated with Roman Catholic worship today, it is by no means exclusive to that tradition. Orthodox Christians, Anglicans, and many Lutherans also make the sign of the cross. The differences are largely matters of custom and emphasis rather than doctrine.

Martin Luther himself retained the practice as a remembrance of baptism and a confession of the Holy Trinity. In Luther’s Small Catechism, Christians are encouraged to begin both morning and evening prayers with the sign of the cross. Lutheran worship resources still suggest its use during confession and forgiveness, especially when the congregation hears the familiar words: “In the name of the Father, and of the ☩ Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”

The gesture also echoes Jesus’ Great Commission: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19).

This Sunday, May 31, the Church celebrates Holy Trinity Sunday. We invite you to make a gesture of faith by moving yourself to worship! And while you are with us, feel free to make the sign of the cross. Who knows? You just might discover that the Holy Spirit still gives encouraging gestures today…perhaps even a heavenly thumbs-up.

Blessings,

Pastor Marc