Blogger Priest

A common gesture of piety in Catholic churches is the genuflection. In past years, when men wore hats more than they do today, it was not uncommon to see a man tip his hat as he passed the church as he walked or rode the streetcar past. This was a mark of respect for our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament in the church. Today all of us should make an act of respect and adoration when we enter a church for a visit or for services. The act is called a genuflection. We bend the right knee and touch it to the floor, sometimes steadying our balance with a hand on the pew. It is a salute to our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament. It should be done slowly and solemnly, considering its meaning. It should be more than a curtsey or an unconscious jerk of the knee. The gravity of attention is given the crucifix, altar and tabernacle. With the coming of age, infirmity and occasional injury, it may be necessary to substitute a solemn bow. If you have ever seen some of the people from the Far East in their way of greeting each other, you can see how this can be a very beautiful and prayerful act, if done slowly and with meaning. It is customary when the Blessed Sacrament is exposed for us to kneel on two knees as we bow the head. Again, if this is difficult, we have to accommodate ourselves through solemn bows to recognize our Lord present in the Blessed Sacrament.

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