Some might remember the catechism description of prayer—“as lifting one’s mind and heart to God.”  That is true, as far as it goes, but we, Catholics, also pray with our bodies.

   What is the first thing we do before entering the pew? We genuflect on our right knee as our bodies are faced toward the tabernacle! For the folks who are unable to genuflect, we make a profound bow toward the altar. What’s the meaning behind the actions?

   To bow down to another person is a gesture of respect. You might notice some of the older people in the parish, bowing their heads when the name of Jesus is spoken. This sign of respect for the holy name of Jesus was common practice and encouraged in religious education and formation.  The bow that is made before entering the pew is made slowly and from the waist, rather than just the head to show reverence and respect to the presence of Christ.

   The dictionary’s description of genuflecting--the act of dropping to one knee and then rising.  Originally, this was done to show respect for the person considered to be one’s superior, e.g., the emperor or king.  About the twelfth century, the custom was introduced into the church and it became customary to genuflect to the bishop on one’s left knee.  In the later middle ages, genuflecting toward the Blessed Sacrament was introduced with a difference--one dropped down on one’s right knee to show respect for the divine presence.  So our simple prayerful gesture of dropping to one’s knee or bowing is a prayer expressing our faith in the real presence of Jesus Christ.

   Some might think of sitting for the Liturgy of the Word as simply a time to rest one’s feet and backs. No! Our sitting is a posture meant to signal an openness, receptivity, and readiness to hear Christ speak his word to us.

   >Midway through the Liturgy of the Word, at the gospel acclamation and the proclamation of the gospel, we stand.  Standing is a sign of respect for God’s word. This gesture isn’t unique to the liturgy.  For example, when a special guest enters a room, all the seated people stand. Or when we want to express our appreciation for a job well done, we stand and give the person a standing ovation.  We use our bodies to express our interior sentiments.

   In the United States, unlike other parts of the world, during the Eucharistic Prayer, we kneel. Our kneeling is an expression of respectful reverence. In most European churches, the people stand during the Eucharistic Prayer. Again, standing is an expression of respect for God and God’s saving activity that we are remembering during the prayer.

   Where else do you experience worshipping with your body?