Reflections on the Mass: The Penitential Rite, Part 2

Last week, we discussed the Penitential Rite at the beginning of Mass, but there are a few more points to make about this important opportunity to humble ourselves before God and ask Him for His mercy and forgiveness.

First, as we pray the Confiteor, we acknowledge that we have committed sins “through my fault, through my fault, through my most grievous fault.” As we speak these words, we strike our breasts three times, one for each repetition of “fault.” This emphasizes our accusation of ourselves and indicates our desire to do penance for our sins.

While the gesture is symbolic, the desire should be real. Our sins leave a sort of “spiritual muck” on us even when God forgives them. Our mortifications and penances help wash the muck away, and they allow us to show God that we are truly and deeply sorry for the ways in which we have offended Him and that we are eager to make things right.

Sometimes the priest will choose to omit the Confiteor. In that case, he may extend the Kyrie with three short prayers between the petitions. The first is “You were sent to heal the contrite of heart.” This reminds us that Jesus has come, was sent by the Father, to heal those who are truly contrite, who are sorry for their sins and desire to avoid sin in the future. Contrition is a requirement for forgiveness, for if we are not really sorry, we will not even be able to accept the mercy God holds out to us. We will block the channels of mercy on our end.

The second prayer is “You came to call sinners.” Jesus has come to call sinners, and we are all sinners. Notice how He seeks us out. He calls us to Him. He wants us to repent and ask for His mercy.

The third prayer is “You are seated at the right hand of the Father to intercede for us.” Jesus prays to the Father for us. Isn't that amazing? He is our Mediator. He unites us to the Father. He asks the Father for mercy for us.

In the Penitential Rite, then, as brief as it may be, we are called to true repentance for our sins and a reliance on God's great mercy and love.