Bowing

When passing in front of the tabernacle, it is appropriate to genuflect, since Jesus is present in the tabernacle. Before sitting in a pew, we genuflect toward the tabernacle, and again when we leave our celebration to share the Gospel message.

When moving past the altar before and during Mass, however, a different gesture is required. The gesture of respect for the altar differs from that of the tabernacle. The General Instruction of the Roman Missal, or GIRM, tells us that "A genuflection indicates adoration ... while a bow signifies reverence and honor shown to the persons themselves or to the signs that represent them."

In the liturgy, we bow to the altar table, we bow at words in the creed, we bow to each other, and we bow to the Body and Blood of Christ.

Why do we bow to the altar table? In that gesture, without words, we admit our dependence on it. Just as God humbled Himself to share in our humanity, we humble ourselves in recognition of the sacrifice made for our sins. In the opening procession, when they have arrived at the sanctuary, the Priest, the Deacon, and the ministers reverence the altar with a profound bow and a kiss, actions which are repeated at the end of Mass.

We also bow at words. In the Nicene Creed, we bow as we recite the words, “and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary, and became man.” We revere and respect the great mystery of the Incarnation, that God became one of us.

We bow to each other on occasion. When a priest or deacon incenses us, he bows to us, and we bow in return.

Finally, we bow to the Body and Blood of Christ. The GIRM suggests that we show some sign of reverence for the holy food and drink that we are about to share, and so, before the Eucharistic Minister greets us, we bow. We bow low so that God can raise us, nourished, united to Christ and to each other.

How do we bow? Standing up straight, arms at our side or folded or crossed in front of our chests, we bend at the waist. A truly reverent bow bends so that the upper half of our body is almost parallel to the ground. We bend slowly, gracefully, without looking up. Then, just as slowly and gracefully, we rise, to stand upright again to face the object of our bow.

Bowing is more than just a ritual gesture. It is a way of understanding and expressing how to live in right relationship with God and with one another.