Genuflection and its meaning.

Today I learn a new thing. Genuflection and its meaning.

When I first join the Catholic church, I never genuflect before I sit down as I do not know why I must do it. However, after some years, I feel comfortable with doing a little curtsy before I sit down because I figure it is polite to do it. After all, I am going to the Lord’s Supper and being part of the ‘invited guests’, I feel I should do it.

I had long observed the many ways people do it. Some get into kneeling with one knee, some just make a bow, some didn’t bother, some make a quick one and a lot just rush in late and leaving early.

Finally, this explanation on genuflection shed some light.

Genuflection on Right Knee

How:

Looking at what you are genuflecting toward, kneel on your right knee for a moment in the manner of a man proposing to a woman, bringing the right knee all the way to the floor, close to the heel of the left foot, keeping the back and neck erect. Hold for a moment, then stand.

When:

* Genuflect toward the Tabernacle where the Blessed Sacrament is reserved, and each time you pass in front of it (except when you’re in procession, such as standing in line for Communion, or returning to your seat afterward). While this should, on one level, be a matter of habit, it shouldn’t be done thoughtlessly. Remind yourself when genuflecting toward the Tabernacle that you are kneeling before God. Praying mentally, “My Lord and My God” is a good habit to get into while genuflecting on the right knee. If the Tabernacle is not on the Altar, genuflect toward the Altar and the Altar Crucifix.
* Before a relic of the True Cross when it is exposed for public adoration.
* On Good Friday to Holy Saturday, after the ceremony of the Adoration of the Cross, genuflect when passing in front of the exposed Crucifix on the Altar.

I told my sons about it and they laughed at me because they know I have a problem with remembering whether to use the right knee to get on to the ground or the left knee. I told them, “Never mind, as long as I do it, good enough.” You see, the left knee has a different meaning.

When greeting or leaving the Pope or other hierarchs with the rank of Bishop or above and who have jurisdiction over you (only when the Pope is not present) — e.g., to the Bishop or Archbishop of your diocese, not of a neighboring diocese. During the left-knee genuflection, a kiss is given to the hierarch’s ring. Then stand.

Oh well, I suppose one doesn’t have to be all uptight and follow everything to the dot. Otherwise, we will have so many things to remember and forget the main purpose we are in a Catholic church. I.e. to be with God. So, no sweat, genuflect or not, the important thing is to go with our heart and mind to be with the Lord and to hear His Words.

There are more explanation on this site on the different postures we Catholics use.