Meaning of Sign of Cross and Kneeling

During passion week, we make the sign of the cross and kumbideel (kneeling) an estimated 500 times. Many people have no clue what the kumbideel means except a sign of respect and surrender to God. I just came across an explanation I thought I will share with you all. So, next time you do the kumbideel, think of what that represents.

Meaning of Kurisuvara (Sign of Cross):

Jesus came down from heaven to earth. He transformed us from the left side (people in darkness/under satanic control) to the right side of God (right in the sight of God).

Meaning of Kumbidil (kneeling):

When you do the Kumbidil, your forehead, nose/mouth, palms of hand, knees, and toes touch the ground. You take a vow,

"Dear Lord Jesus I surrender my thinking (forehead), breath (nose), talk (mouth), knees, toes (walk) before you. I will always worship you ONLY with my whole heart until you take my breath away. I surrender my whole life before you."

Source: Philip Oommen, Puramattom