When the priest enters the sanctuary at the beginning of Mass, one of his first actions is to bow to the altar and then reverence it with a kiss. (Whenever the tabernacle is in the sanctuary, the bow to the altar is replaced by a genuflection.) This gesture is rich with meaning, even though it is often quiet and unnoticed.   The altar is the central symbol of Christ in the church. It is not just a table where bread and wine are placed—it represents Christ Himself, the “living stone” rejected by men but chosen by God (1 Peter 2:4). It is also the place of the sacrifice, because on it the Eucharist is offered, which is one with the sacrifice of Jesus on the Cross. For this reason, the altar points us both to Christ and to Calvary.   By bowing to the altar, the priest acknowledges Christ’s presence and honors Him with a gesture of humility. When he kisses the altar, it is an expression of love and reverence for Christ, who is both the priest and the victim of the sacrifice. In ancient times, altars were built over the tombs of martyrs, so the kiss also recalls the communion of saints who gave their lives for Christ and share in His victory.   The priest’s kiss, then, is a greeting of Christ and a recognition of the holy mystery about to unfold. It ties together Christ, the Cross, the saints, and the Eucharistic sacrifice into a single act of reverence. By beginning Mass this way, the priest shows that everything to follow is centered on Christ, whose love is at the heart of our worship.