Dear Parishioners,
As we continue with our series on the Mass, we now look at another liturgical gesture that we do before the Mass even begins: the genuflection.
Why Catholics Genuflect
What is a genuflection, and why do we genuflect? The simple answer is that when we genuflect, we touch our right knee to the floor to honor Jesus, who is really present in the tabernacle! The Catechism of the Catholic Church defines genuflection as “a reverence made by bending the knee, especially to express adoration of the Blessed Sacrament” (CCC, Glossary). By genuflecting or bowing deeply in a spirit of prayer and as a sign of adoration of the Lord, “we express our faith in the real presence of Christ under the species of bread and wine” (CCC, no. 1378). To honor the true presence of Jesus Christ, all who pass before the Most Blessed Sacrament outside of Mass, as well as when entering or leaving the church, should genuflect. If genuflecting is physically difficult, a bow is a reverent substitute.
Say “Hi” to Jesus
One of my favorite memories as a priest was teaching religion class to young children. Often we met in the church itself rather than the classroom. I wanted to show them the sacred art in the church, as well as the sacred vessels and books used at Mass. The first time we entered the church, I taught them to genuflect. Of course, we had to start with learning which was our right knee and which was our left knee! Next, we practiced folding our hands and putting our right knee down to the floor. Week after week, I noticed how the children were improving their form as well as their reverence. At the end of the year, when we were reviewing what we had learned, I asked the children: “Why do we genuflect when we come in the church?” One of them smiled and eagerly responded, “To say hi to Jesus and to honor him.” I couldn’t have said it better!
The next time you enter a church, allow your eyes to be drawn to the sanctuary, altar, and tabernacle in the front of the church. In Catholic churches, a candle is kept burning next to the Tabernacle to indicate and honor the presence of Christ. Seeing the candle, called a sanctuary lamp, we can recognize that Jesus is truly present in the Holy Eucharist and give Him the great honor that He deserves. When we genuflect, we make an act of humility that acknowledges the greatness of God and confesses that Jesus Christ present in the Eucharist is God with us. Jesus Christ, who loves us perfectly, who died for our sins and rose in triumph – Jesus Christ is there before us! While it is true that when we genuflect we honor Christ and profess our belief that He is present there, it is also a great honor for us, for in doing so we remember that we are part of God’s beloved family. Pause and think about that for a moment.
For Reflection:
Reflect on Christ’s humility as described in Philippians 2:6–11, which gives context to the claim that “at the name of Jesus every knee should bend” (Phil. 2:10). What do you want to say to the Lord the next time you genuflect to greet him?
Sincerely in Christ,
Fr. Bill Duffert
The excerpts in italics are from Do This in Remembrance of Me, Part 2: Genuflection, a blog by Fr. Luke Spannagel. Find the full blog post at eucharisticrevival.org/post/the-mass-part-2-genuflection