This column was inspired by the late Father Benedict Groeschel, CFR, Franciscan Friar and EWTN television host, and the late Father Tom Cronin, SJ, former retreat master at Manresa House of Retreats
Signs and symbols have always been significant in anyone’s faith walk. The Star of David for Jews, the crescent for Muslims and the cross for Christians to name a few. They are part and parcel with our spiritual identity. In the Judeo, Islamic, and Christian traditions, this is clearly found in many variations. But we can all trace these to Apostolic roots accentuating the richness of our traditions.
Currently, it appears that secular humanism has influenced and crept into the mainstream of these traditions, thereby affecting their core tenets. This has caused what I like to call an “identity crisis,” or “spiritual adolescence” for some of us. As a Roman Catholic, I will give some examples of this per a song I’ve written, “What’s My Sign?” It relates to what many people may ask of us as to “Who are you?”
What’s my sign? Not Aquarius! What’s my sign? Not Cancer! What’s my sign? Not even Pisces! I was born on March 5, baptized, so my sign is the cross! ...
Chorus: In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Amen. My sign is the sign of the cross.
People are looking for meaning, In the stars above, Jesus Christ is arisen, He shed His blood, washed our sins, now we’re blessed with His love. ... Chorus ...
The moon is just a part of God’s creation, Just like you and me, We are not controlled by its movements, Jesus Christ is king of kings and He has set us free. ... Chorus ....
Horcasitas, a licensed clinic social worker, is founder/owner of Prayer Care LLC in Baton Rouge.