Actions Of Reverence At The Eucharist And The Design Of The Table

Christians in many worshiping traditions use a variety of ritual actions to indicate their reverence for the worship of God and participation in the sacrament of the Eucharist. This article explains what these actions of reverence look like and how the architectural design of the sacramental symbols can enhance their meaning. We were well trained from earliest childhood and had been so for countless generations. When we entered God's House, after having made the sign of the cross with holy water, we genuflected toward the tabernacle (on or above the main altar) and then entered a pew where we knelt in prayer. In many cases the ritual had become perfunctory, but we knew the etiquette of entrance into God's presence. Whether coming into church for private prayer or Mass, we knew how to get started. We knew that the genuflection was a special mark of honor and greeting to Christ sacramentally present in the tabernacle. Things have changed. Now Roman Catholics entering new and/or renov…