In Catholic tradition, gestures of reverence are essential to showing respect and adoration, particularly in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament. One of the most profound and ancient postures is the act of genuflection, which has deep spiritual significance. Cardinal Timothy Dolan, the Archbishop of New York, recently took the opportunity to explain this important practice, shedding light on its meaning and why it remains vital to Catholic devotion.
In a video posted on X, Cardinal Dolan recounted a conversation he had with a woman after Mass on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17. Although she was not Catholic, she expressed her admiration for the Church and her enjoyment of attending Mass. However, she admitted that she didn’t fully understand the various postures that people take during the service. The cardinal saw this as an opportunity to clarify the meaning behind those gestures, beginning with genuflection.
“Here’s the first posture that we Catholics always do. When we come into church, we look for the tabernacle, where the real presence of Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament is reposed, and we genuflect!” Cardinal Dolan explained. He went on to describe the gesture: “We go down on one knee. We genuflect. Why? That’s the ancient sign of adoration, the ancient sign of esteem, the ancient sign of worship.”
The act of genuflecting, or bending one knee, is not simply a physical movement but a profound expression of faith. It acknowledges the real presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist, which Catholics believe is contained in the tabernacle. According to the cardinal, “when you hear the name of Jesus, every knee on earth and in heaven should bend, as St. Paul taught. That’s genuflection — we do it to Jesus, really and truly present in the most Blessed Sacrament.”
The importance of this tradition cannot be overstated. Cardinal Dolan observed that “I’m afraid that beautiful tradition of genuflection to Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament may have faded a little. We can’t let that happen; it’s a great act of devotion.” In a world that is often fast-paced and distracted, these gestures of reverence are not only expressions of respect but also an opportunity for Catholics to pause and acknowledge the sanctity of the moment.
In a closing reflection, Cardinal Dolan invoked the words of St. Thomas Aquinas, who famously said, “Satan doesn’t have knees because he genuflects to no one.” This contrast highlights the power of genuflection as a visible sign of submission to God’s authority and divinity. By genuflecting to the Blessed Sacrament, Catholics align themselves with this tradition of adoration, ensuring that the practice endures across generations.
No. 274 of the General Instruction of the Roman Missal further underscores the significance of genuflection. It states, “a genuflection, made by bending the right knee to the ground, signifies adoration, and therefore it is reserved for the most Blessed Sacrament, as well as for the holy cross on Good Friday.”
In conclusion, genuflection is far more than a ritual; it is a living tradition that embodies the reverence, adoration, and worship due to Christ in the Eucharist. By continuing this practice, Catholics honor Jesus Christ, affirming His real presence in the Church and strengthening their personal devotion.
