Question: Why do we rub our face twice before the Gospel is read at Mass?
Answer: Well, some people may rub their face because it needs washing, but the theological reason is that we are not actually rubbing our faces, but crossing ourselves. You make a sign of the cross on your forehead, lips, and heart and say, "May Your Word always be on my mind (cross your forehead), on my lips (cross your lips), and in my heart (cross your heart). You do this to prepare yourself to hear God's Word as He speaks to you through the Gospel. Your mind represents your thoughts and you want all your thoughts to direct you towards God. Your lips represent your words, so that your words may always be God-centered. Your heart represents your desires and will, so you give those to God so that your will always strive to be with God. Together, you devote your entire self to God and prepare to learn from Him through the Gospel, His living Word.
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