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Friday, April 29, 2022

The Choreography of the Liturgy of the Eucharist

 Catholics accept most postures for prayer.  St. Dominic had Nine ways of praying.  Kneeling is interpreted as the acceptable posture for supplication.  But many can't kneel due to age or various health reasons, so they usually bow.  You'll see people due this to show reverence when they enter their pew.  They will look at the Tabernacle or altar and genuflect or bow to greet Jesus and show respect.

Kneeling show humility before God, so just think what prostrations show.  You will see priest do this at Ordinations or a Penitential Liturgy.  Standing can be a sign of respect, too.  Gentlemen stand when a lady enters the room.  Catholics stand to listen to the Gospel.  Some pictures in catacombs or other early Christian venues with the people standing to worship.  They even have their hands raised during the Eucharistic prayer.

There is a story that St. Monica when to bishop, St. Ambrose, complaining about the way the Romans received and worshipped.  St. Ambrose responded, "When in Rome, do what the Romans do."  Unity in the Liturgy of the Eucharist is needed, but in charity is what is always necessary.



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