A priest once asked a group of children "What is Jesus' mobile phone number?" Quick as a flash, one little girl replied, while making the Sign of the Cross, "In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit."

The Sign of the Cross: it reminds us of the Trinity and of the Cross.

The Sign of the Cross: it reminds us of Jesus' words in today's Gospel: "Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life."

The Sign of the Cross: it reminds us of God's love for us.

The Sign of the Cross:it gives us courage and strength to face the difficulties of life.

Many Christians wear a Cross around their neck or on their clothing - to show that they belong to Jesus; to show that Jesus is their Lord; to witness to Jesus.

Christians in China have a special love for the Cross, having experienced so many trials for being followers of Jesus. Their story of recent decades is movingly told in the excellent DVD: "The Cross - Jesus in China" (available free on-line).