Understanding the Mass

08-02-2026Weekly ReflectionFr. Leonard F. Villa

Why does the priest put a drop of water into the wine in the chalice during Mass?

The mixing of the water and wine in the chalice before it is consecrated is required. While failure to add the water is illicit, it does not affect the validity of the sacrament. What makes this act significant is what it represents: the water is Christ’s humanity and the wine His divinity. The mingling of the water and wine in the chalice symbolizes the Incarnation of Christ. It also recalls Christ’s Passion when the soldiers pierced his side with a spear and out flowed blood and water (John 19:34), thus signifying baptism and Eucharist.

Why does the priest wash his fingers during Mass?

The priest washes his fingers at two key moments during Mass to symbolize spiritual purification. First, during the Preparation of the Gifts, he prays for inner cleansing. Later, after Communion, he washes them to ensure no microscopic particles of the Eucharist remain on his hands.

The Two Washings Explained

1. The Offertory (Lavabo) Before the Eucharistic Prayer, the priest pours water over his fingers at the side of the altar. This ancient ritual (dating back to the 4th century) originally had a practical purpose, as early Christians brought raw agricultural offerings like livestock and grain, leaving the priest’s hands physically dirty. Today, it is purely symbolic. As he washes, he quietly recites: "Wash me, O Lord, from my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin."

2. The Purification (Ablution) After Holy Communion, the priest washes his thumb and index fingers again—the specific fingers used to hold the consecrated Host. According to Catholic doctrine, Christ is fully present in even the smallest, microscopic fragment of the Eucharist. This washing ensures that every particle is reverently consumed and not lost.

Why do we strike our chests three times during the "I Confess"?

Striking our chests during the "I Confess" (Confiteor) is an ancient physical gesture that shows deep sorrow, humility, and personal responsibility for sin. We do this three times while saying the words "through my fault, through my fault, through my most grievous fault." Meaning of the gesture: Taking Blame: It proves we are not blaming others and accept our own guilt. Cleaning the Heart: Early Church teachers like St. Jerome said we strike our chest because the heart and breast hold bad thoughts, and this act asks God to clean our inner self. Biblical Roots: It copies the humble tax collector in the Gospel of Luke who beat his chest and prayed, "God, be merciful to me a sinner".