Liturgy of the Eucharist Preparation of the Gifts Part 8 Washing of the Hands.

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THE MASS: ABOUT THE MASS VOL 2 ICON.

‘PREPARATION OF THE GIFTS: PART 8: WASHING OF THE HANDS’. 

Washing one’s hands as a sign of inner purity was customary in both Judaism and early Christianity. Historically, in Rome, there were various times when the washing of the hands took place, sometimes before the gifts of the people were collected, sometimes afterward. The hand-washing rite first appeared outside Rome at this stage of the Mass, and it survived only in a Mass presided over by a priest. At first, no prayer accompanied the action, but a number of formulae were added around the eleventh century, with verses of Psalm 26 being the most used. In the 16th century Psalm 26:6-12 and a concluding doxology were made obligatory.

Today, the washing of the hands is accompanied by Psalm 51:2 which is said quietly by the priest. It reads: ‘Lord, wash away my iniquity, cleanse me from my sin’. 

Notice that the word ‘sin’ is in the singular- not that it infers that the priest has only one sin, but on our behalf, he gathers up the sin of all of us and prays. The priest uses a linen small finger towel, which is distinguished by a small embroidered cross on its edge. The purificator (also known as purifier) however, has the embroidered cross in the centre.

At every Mass we attend, we too, like the priest should desire to be cleansed within. So, whilst watching this action in the Mass, we can spiritually participate by again strengthening our commitment to Christ, (and if necessary) revisit in our hearts the penitential rite and our desire for a change of heart. You might even decide to include this prayer in your prayer life.