In this Feb. 22, 2023 Ash Wednesday file photo, Fr. John Thomas, rector of St. Stephen Cathedral in Owensboro, pours the wine into chalices. ELIZABETH WONG BARNSTEAD | WKC
Sharing in the divinity of Christ: The mystery of water and wine, theosis, and our baptismal call
BY DCN. JAY W. VANHOOSIER, OFFICE OF FAITH FORMATION
During the preparation of the gifts at Mass, the deacon or priest pours a small amount of water into the chalice of wine, praying: “By the mystery of this water and wine, may we come to share in the divinity of Christ, who humbled himself to share in our humanity.”
This simple yet profound moment holds deep theological significance, linking the mystery of the Incarnation, the Eastern Christian concept of theosis (divinization), and our baptismal call to be active disciples in the world.
The symbolism of water and wine: The mingling of water and wine in the chalice is more than a practical action—it is a rich symbol of our participation in Christ. The wine represents Christ’s divinity, while the water represents our humanity. Just as the two become one in the chalice, so too are we invited to be united with Christ. The words of the prayer recall the Incarnation: God the Son humbly took on human nature so that we might share in His divine life. This imagery aligns closely with the Eastern Christian understanding of theosis, the belief that through Christ, we are called to become partakers of the divine nature (cf. 2 Peter 1:4).
Theosis – Sharing in God’s divine life: In Eastern Christianity, theosis expresses the idea that through grace, humanity is drawn into the life of God. St. Athanasius famously said, “God became man so that man might become God.” This does not mean we become God by nature, but that we are invited to share in God’s holiness, love, and eternal life. The mingling of water and wine during the Mass reflects this spiritual transformation. Just as the water is absorbed into the wine and no longer separate, so too are we, through our relationship with Christ, drawn into the divine life. This process of divinization is not just for the future but begins now, in the life of grace.
Baptism – The beginning of our divinization: Our journey into divine life begins at baptism, where we are spiritually reborn and become members of Christ’s Body. Baptism is not merely a ritual cleansing – it is the moment we are grafted into the life of the Trinity. St. Paul reminds us that through baptism, we are united with Christ’s death and resurrection (Romans 6:3-5), initiating our transformation in Him. Yet, this gift of divine participation is not passive. Baptism calls us to discipleship. The more we live in Christ – through prayer, the sacraments, and love for others – the more we are conformed to His divine image.
Discipleship – Living the mystery of water and wine: The words spoken by the deacon during Mass challenge us to reflect on our response to Christ’s invitation. If we are called to share in His divine life, we must also live as His disciples in the world. This means: Cultivating holiness through prayer and sacramental life; serving others with the humility of Christ, who emptied Himself for our sake (Philippians 2:5-8); and witnessing to the Gospel, bringing Christ’s love into our families, workplaces, and communities.
In every Mass, as water is mixed with wine, we are reminded of our sacred calling: to become like Christ and to make Him present in the world. Through grace, we are being divinized – transformed by love into the image of God.
May we embrace this mystery and faithfully live our baptismal call, bringing Christ’s light into the world.
Dcn. Jay W. VanHoosier is the Director of Faith Formation for the Diocese of Owensboro. For more information visit owensborodiocese.org/faith-formation, email [email protected] or call (270) 852-8324.
Originally printed in the April 2025 issue of The Western Kentucky Catholic.
