and hast revealed them to little ones' (Matt. xi. 25). 2. 'The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and shall be given to a nation yielding the fruits thereof (Matt, xxi, 43). 3. 'Having faith and a good conscience, which some rejecting have made shipwreck concerning the faith' (1 Tim. i. 19). 4. 'Beware of false prophets, who come to you in the clothing of sheep, but inwardly they are ravening wolves' (Matt, vii. 15). 'A little leaven corrupteth the whole lump' (Gal. v. 9).
49. How do we especially show that our faith is firm and constant?
By never denying it, not even in appearance, but by candidly professing it on every occasion by word and deed.
' Every one that shall confess me before men, I will also confess him before my Father who is in Heaven. But he that shall deny me before men, I will also deny him before my Father who is in Heaven' (Matt. x. 32, 33). 'With the heart, we believe unto justice: but, with the mouth, confession is made unto salvation' (Rom. x. 10). — Example of Eleazar.
50. Is there also a particular sign by which Catholics profess their faith?
Yes, the Sign of the Cross.
51. Why do we use the sign of the cross in order to profess our faith?
Because it expresses the two principal mysteries of our religion — namely, the mystery of the Most Blessed Trinity, and the mystery of our Redemption by Christ on the cross.
52. Whence comes the custom of making the sign of the cross?
This custom is very old, and descends from the apostolic times.
53. When should we make the sign of the cross?
It is good and wholesome to make it frequently, as the first Christians did; especially when we rise and when we go to bed, before and after prayers, before every important occupation, and in all temptations and dangers.
