Newsroom (27/06/2025 20:58, Gaudium Press) In Sacred Scripture we find many passages where providential men turn to God in prayer with their arms open.
During the Israelites’ battle against Amalek, for example, Moses interceded for the people with his arms raised to heaven. As long as the prophet “raised his hand, Israel won, but as soon as he lowered it, Amalek triumphed” (Ex 17:11).
Among the kings of the chosen people, we notice the same procedure: “Solomon stood before the altar of the Lord, in the presence of the whole assembly of Israel, and stretched out his hands towards heaven. Turning to the crowd of Israelites, with his arms raised to heaven, he said, ‘Lord God of Israel, there is no god in heaven or on earth who is like you, who is faithful to his covenant with his servants and full of mercy to those who serve you with all their heart’” (II Chron 6:12-14).
This gesture therefore characterizes the praying soul who looks upwards in an attitude of supplication. They exercise the role of intercessor before God. It can also mean an exclamation of anguish or an expression of praise and gratitude. Finally, the Holy Fathers compare the habit of raising the arms to the position of Our Lord Jesus Christ on the Cross.
With this in mind, the Holy Church has preserved this custom during the recitation of the Our Father at Holy Mass. The priest raises his arms to symbolize the character of intercession that his prayer possesses, making the motherhood of the Church shine admirably. Just as Christ interceded for men on Calvary, she intercedes for the faithful with the Redeemer in the Liturgy.
Source: Heralds of the Gospel Magazine no. 282, June 2025.
Compiled by Dominic Joseph
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