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What are the effects of drinking holy water, and could there be any potential benefits?
Holy water is used by Christians worldwide for blessings, but is consuming it acceptable? What are the consequences of doing so? To sum it up, drinking holy water is not considered sinful, but that doesn't mean it's always advisable. Continue reading to discover what the church says about drinking holy water and the possible benefits associated with it.
Drinking Holy Water: A Brief Summary
It is generally okay to drink holy water. Some Christians incorporate it into their religious observances, especially during official church holidays, and consuming it is not deemed sinful. However, holy water is not always purified or suitable for drinking, so many priests caution against it.
Instructions
Is it permissible to drink holy water?
Yes, Christians are generally allowed to drink holy water. In principle, it is not considered sinful. The guidelines surrounding holy water within Christianity are somewhat unclear. Most Christian denominations do not have specific rules about drinking it. However, certain branches, such as Eastern Orthodox and Byzantine Rite Catholics, incorporate drinking it into certain feasts and holy days, such as the celebration of the Theophany.
- If you're unsure whether your denomination permits drinking holy water, it’s best to consult with a priest or a member of the clergy!
- Drinking holy water does not hold more significance or holiness than using it to sprinkle or bless yourself.
Some priests advise against drinking it casually. Holy water is a sacred object in Christianity, deserving respect, much like a rosary or a cross. Though drinking it isn’t a sin, many church leaders caution against treating it lightly. Consuming holy water simply out of curiosity or thirst might be seen as disrespectful.
- Before drinking holy water, ensure that you are using it to deepen your spiritual connection with God, which is its true purpose!
- Many priests also point out that drinking holy water in the hope of healing is rooted in superstition, which is discouraged.
What happens if you drink holy water?
Some believe drinking holy water can aid spiritual growth. The primary purpose of holy water is to renew and remind us of our baptism. It serves as a sacramental aid that fills us with grace, helping us recall God's love and our salvation. However, there is no particular benefit in drinking holy water over simply using it for blessings. The effects are the same!
- Some believe holy water can have healing effects, but many priests consider this a superstition, which is sinful.
- Even if holy water sometimes appears to have healing effects, it is not something to rely on. The Church encourages its followers to trust in medical professionals for healing.
Drinking unfiltered holy water could make you ill. While you likely won’t face punishment from the Church for drinking holy water, it’s still best not to do so. Most water we consume is filtered and purified for safety, but holy water is not necessarily clean or purified, despite its sacred nature. It can contain harmful bacteria that may cause illness. When in doubt, it’s safest to avoid drinking it.
- Avoid drinking holy water from springs or church fonts. Many people, and even animals, have come in contact with it, making it unsafe to consume.
- If you do wish to drink holy water, only consume it from a sealed bottle or freshly blessed water that hasn’t been touched by anyone except the priest.
What is holy water, exactly?
Holy water is ordinary water that has been blessed by a priest. Most holy water starts as regular water—until a priest blesses it, transforming it into holy water. At that point, it becomes a sacramental, a tool to help believers practice their faith. Although it physically resembles regular water, the spiritual significance sets it apart.
- Some believe holy water dates back to 400 AD, with St. Matthew, the apostle, being among the first to use it.
- There are holy water springs around the world, believed to possess healing or spiritual properties.
- Some holy water springs are blessed, making all the water that flows from them automatically holy water.
Uses of Holy Water
Use holy water to remember your baptism. Holy water fonts can be found in nearly every church. Upon entering or leaving the church, dip your fingers into the font and make the sign of the cross. This gesture serves as a reminder of your baptism and God's grace as you prepare for mass and as you depart to live your life in grace.
- This is the most common use of holy water and the primary way Christians engage with it.
- During mass, a priest may sprinkle holy water over the congregation using an “aspergillum” or wash his hands with it, purifying both himself and others.
Use holy water to bless your home or other spaces. Sprinkle holy water in areas like your bedroom, office, or kitchen to bless the space. This serves as a reminder to live virtuously and gracefully, whether you're winding down for the night or preparing a meal. It’s also a way to dedicate your daily activities to God and strengthen your faith.
- Dip your fingers into the water and flick it, or use a pine branch as an aspergillum to sprinkle it around.
Bless your plants, belongings, or pets. You can sprinkle holy water over plants, such as houseplants or crops, or on objects like your pillows, keys, glasses, or nearly anything else you own. This act offers protection and serves as a reminder that everything you have is a gift from God. It’s a beautiful way to express gratitude for your possessions.
Use holy water to protect yourself from evil. When a priest blesses holy water, a special prayer is said to ask God to sanctify the water, making it a tool for protection against evil. Carry some with you during the day or bless yourself with it from time to time to keep evil forces at bay and ward off negative influences.
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To dispose of excess holy water, pour it on the ground, such as over plants. Since it’s a sacred object, it should never be discarded down a drain.
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Some believe holy water has healing properties. While it can’t hurt to try, many churches encourage their members to seek medical assistance for healing as well.
