Why should we use our right hand to make the sign of the cross?

The Bible is full of positive references to the right side and the right hand, and negative references to the left (by some counts, over 100 favorable references to the right hand and 25 unfavorable references to the left.) It is suggested that this could be why the Sign of the Cross is to be made by the right hand and the motion goes from the left to the right.

The Sign of the Cross is a ceremony.

The ceremony is Christian.

The ceremony represents the Passion by making a simple motion.

The Sign of the Cross is a motion not a permanent sign.

The Sign of the Cross is made with the right hand. It is made either with three fingers, in order to signify the Blessed Trinity, or five, in order to signify the Savior’s five wounds.

The person raises his hand toward their head saying “In the name of the Father” showing that the Father is the first person of the Blessed Trinity and the origins of the others.

Then they lower their hand to the middle of the chest saying “and of the Son” to show the Son comes from the Father.

Then they pull their hand to their left shoulder and pull their hand across to the right shoulder saying “and of the Holy Spirit” to show this is the third component of the Blessed Trinity. The hand is then returned to the center of the chest. Some then pull their hand to their waist thereby completing the shape of the crucifix.

The Blessed Trinity proceeds from the Father and from the Son and is their bond of love and charity, and that it is by His grace that we enjoy the effects of the Passion.

The above is what I found to be the origins of making the Sign of the cross. I found another more modern version that has a slightly different twist. When coming down from saying “In the name of the Father’ and after saying “and of the son” the person strikes themselves 3 times in the chest to show an outward sign of inward contrition. Then continue on and finish with "and of the Holy Spirit”.

Some people abbreviate it and say, “In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit”. Others say Holy Ghost instead of Holy Spirit.

Some just make the sign on their forehead. The thought being in order to banish the shame of the Cross we will make it on our forehead for all to see.

All that being said, however it is done, using the sign of the Cross is to give honor to God. And to confess three great mysteries: the Trinity, the Passion and the remission of sins. It is a simple act of Piety. What is Piety, you might ask. Stay tuned for the next article.