We are still making our ways through the Introductory Rites of the Sunday Mass. Last week I explained the three variations of the Penitential Rite. I noted that often when we come into the Presence of our All-Holy God, we may experience also our sinfulness, great or small. And so we ask God’s mercy.
Another Rite may replace the Penitential Rite on Sundays: the Rite of Blessing and Sprinkling with Holy Water (or commonly, "the Sprinkling Rite"). This is where water is blessed and then the Priest sprinkles this Holy Water upon the congregation. It is customary to make the Sign of the Cross when sprinkled with Holy Water. It is a reminder of our Baptism in the Thee-fold Name of God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
This use of Holy Water to replace the Penitential Rite is still pointing to the forgiveness of sin. Recall that one effect of Baptism is the forgiveness of sin (See Nicene Creed). Water in our religious imagination can signify cleansing from bodily and spiritual uncleanness. Thus we hear God say through the Prophet Ezekiel: "I will sprinkle clean water upon you, and you shall be clean from all your uncleanness, and from all your idols I will cleanse you." (Ezekiel 36:25)
The Sprinkling Rite was significantly different before the changes made in the liturgy as a result of the Second Vatican Council. Before the principal Mass on Sunday, the Priest would bless Holy Water in the sacristy, then he would enter and sprinkle the altar, the ministers and himself and the People. This ceremony was referred to as the Asperges (Wash or Sprinkle) taken from the Psalm verse in Latin that was recited during its enactment: "You will sprinkle me with hyssop, and I will be cleansed. You will wash me, and I will be made whiter than snow." (Psalm 51:9)
Notice the change in this Rite: it takes place now once Mass has already begun, i.e. as part of the Mass itself. The Blessing of the water is done in the sight of the People rather than in the sacristy. The Altar is no longer sprinkled. The Rite is still to be accompanied by a song or chant as the people are sprinkled.
When this Rite is used the Priest begins by saying:
"Dear brothers and sisters, let us humbly beseech the Lord our God
to bless this water he has created, which will be sprinkled on us as a memorial of our Baptism. May he help us by his grace to remain faithful to the Spirit we have received."
Then there are three options for blessing the Water.
The Priest then goes throughout the congregation sprinkling them with Holy Water as they sing.
The Priest returns to his Chair after the Sprinkling and says:
"May almighty God cleanse us of our sins,
and through the celebration of this Eucharist
make us worthy to share at the table of his Kingdom."
Then, unless it not called for (as in Advent or Lent) the Gloria is sung.
Next Week: the Gloria
