Week 5: Genuflection and Silent Prayer

When we enter the chapel, we perform three rituals: we bless ourselves with holy water, genuflect, and say a silent prayer.

When we genuflect towards the tabernacle, we acknowledge that the sacred body of Christ resides in this house. The Church teaches that we bend the right knee for this genuflection (although both knees when the Blessed Sacrament is exposed during the consecration). It’s not meant to be a cursory gesture of belonging, like a secret handshake in a club, or something Catholics just do. This is meant to represent our true attitude of reverence before God, a posture of dependence upon Him. This is an excellent time to practice being humble in the presence of our creator. In our chapel, the tabernacle exists in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel, which is the direction in which we genuflect. It’s also respectful to bow before the altar when crossing in front of it in acknowledgement of the sacrificial meal that takes place there.

Our third ritual before mass is to say a silent prayer to God. Why would we say a silent prayer when we’re about to spend an hour praying to Him? This time with God can be special for each one of us – before we enter the liturgy of the mass collectively. You might choose to thank God for the incredible opportunity to be a Catholic and encounter him in this space. You might choose to ask for His help in calming your mind and spirit in preparation for this holy encounter. Or, you might simply continue your daily dialogue with Him, acknowledging that this encounter with him is special, elevated, and different from the rest of our everyday existence.